Quick Answer
The autism support changes announced by the federal government aim to reshape how early support is delivered to children with autism and those experiencing developmental delays. A new initiative called the Thriving Kids Program, jointly funded by the federal and state governments, will provide foundational supports outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This new initiative is called Thriving Kids.
This reform intends to ensure that autistic children and those with mild to moderate developmental delays receive targeted support such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, and psychosocial therapy through local and mainstream services, instead of relying solely on the NDIS. These supports will be available to children across the autism spectrum, recognising the diversity of diagnoses and the varying levels of support needs. The program will begin rolling out in July 2026, with full implementation by July 2027.
For details on these updates, you can read the Australian Government’s official media release: 🔗 Federal Government: Thriving Kids Program Announcement
These therapies and check-ups will be funded through medicare items, including bulk-billed services for eligible children.
Understanding the Autism Support Changes
According to NDIS Minister Mark Butler, the government is seeking to realign the NDIS with its original purpose: to support Australians with permanent disabilities while creating a new framework for early intervention in children with developmental delay.
The autism support changes are part of broader NDIS reforms designed to manage the scheme’s growth and ensure sustainability. The Albanese Government, through the Department of Health and Aged Care, has confirmed that the NDIS will continue to serve participants with more complex and lifelong needs. Previously, the NDIS was often seen as the only port for families seeking disability support, highlighting the limited options available before these reforms.
Meanwhile, children with mild to moderate developmental delay will transition toward the Thriving Kids Program, which will deliver foundational supports through community health and education systems.
For context, see: 🔗 ABC News: NDIS Reforms to Redirect Children to Foundational Supports
Impact of NDIS Changes
The recent changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), led by the federal government, mark a significant shift in how support is delivered to children with autism and developmental delays across Australia.
Introduction of the Thriving Kids Program
With the introduction of the Thriving Kids program, the focus is moving towards providing foundational supports and early intervention for children with mild to moderate developmental delays, rather than relying solely on the NDIS for every support need.
Joint Funding and Service Access
This new approach, jointly funded by the federal and state governments, is designed to ensure that many children—especially those with mild to moderate autism or developmental delays—can access essential services like occupational therapy, speech pathology, and psychosocial therapy through mainstream settings such as childcare centres and schools. By building stronger connections with these mainstream services, the Thriving Kids program aims to support children in familiar environments, making it easier for families to access the help they need.
Goals of the NDIS Changes
One of the key goals of these NDIS changes is to divert children who do not have a permanent disability away from the scheme, allowing the NDIS to remain focused on its original purpose: supporting people with significant and lifelong disabilities. At the same time, the Thriving Kids program will provide bulk-billed health check-ups for three year olds and a range of other supports to help children develop vital skills, such as emotional regulation and gross motor skills, from an early age.
Concerns and Government Response
While many families welcome the promise of more accessible and tailored supports, some parents and advocacy groups have voiced concerns about the transition process and the risk that children could miss out on necessary services. In response, Minister Mark Butler has reassured families that no child currently receiving NDIS support will be removed abruptly, and that the transition to the new program will be carefully managed over several years. The government has committed $2 billion to ensure the Thriving Kids program is fully rolled out by July 2027, with ongoing monitoring to address the evolving support needs of children and families.
Emphasis on Mental Health Support
Importantly, the changes also place a strong emphasis on mental health, with increased access to psychosocial therapy and other supports aimed at helping children build resilience and prevent the development of complex mental illness. By enabling access to early intervention and capacity building in mainstream and community settings, the Thriving Kids program is expected to help many children thrive—while allowing the NDIS to refocus on those with the most significant and permanent disabilities.
Expected Outcomes for Families
As the program begins rolling out, families can expect a more streamlined and inclusive approach to disability services, with a strong focus on early support, continuity of care, and building relationships with local services. The government’s commitment to monitoring outcomes and adapting the program as needed will be crucial in ensuring that all children—regardless of the level of their developmental delay—receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
Introducing the Thriving Kids Program
The Thriving Kids Program is a jointly funded initiative between the federal and state governments that will deliver targeted supports for children with autism and developmental delays who do not need long-term, high-level NDIS plans.
Once fully rolled out, the program will provide:
- Early occupational therapy and speech pathology sessions for children.
- Psychosocial therapy for emotional regulation and social skill development.
- Support through childcare centres, schools, and community services.
- Assistance to parents and carers to help them support families at home.
- Each child’s support will be tailored to their assessed needs, ensuring individualized plans that reflect the unique requirements of every child.
This shift is expected to divert children from entering the NDIS unnecessarily while still meeting their developmental needs. It also addresses the significant increase in NDIS participants under six years old, many of whom have mild to moderate developmental delays. The program is also designed to support young people as they transition from childhood to adolescence, ensuring continuity of care.
For additional insights, see: 🔗 The Guardian: NDIS to Focus on Complex Disabilities Under New Thriving Kids Plan
What This Means for Families
For many families, this change may seem like a big shift, but it’s designed to improve access to therapy and reduce administrative delays.
Under the new model:
- Children with mild or moderate autism will receive supports through mainstream services.
- Foundational supports will include occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health programs, and early learning services.
- Children with complex or permanent disabilities will remain eligible for NDIS plans.
- Future government initiatives will also focus on supporting adults with severe and complex mental illnesses, ensuring a continuum of care across all age groups.
- The federal government will monitor outcomes and gradually roll out the program in collaboration with state governments.
This move aims to prevent children with developmental delay from falling through service gaps and to create a system where support needs are met early and effectively.
For detailed program information, refer to: 🔗 NDIS Review: Foundational Supports Recommendations, NDIS Core Supports Budget Guide, and navigating daily living assistance under the NDIS Core Supports category
The Role of Re.Connect Support Services
At Re.Connect Support Services, we recognise that transitions like this can be confusing for families. Our role is to help you navigate these changes, understand your child’s assessed needs, and access the right services under both the NDIS and the new Thriving Kids Program.
Our experienced team works closely with occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and mental health professionals to create personalised plans that help children build essential skills in communication, language, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
Whether your child has mild to moderate autism or a developmental delay, we help ensure they receive consistent and compassionate care — empowering families to support children as they grow, learn, and thrive.
Learn more about our services:
🔗 Re.Connect Support Services
The Future of Autism and Developmental Support
The autism support changes reflect an effort to balance sustainability and accessibility in the national disability insurance scheme. The federal and state governments want to ensure that every young child — whether accessing foundational supports or NDIS funding — can get the right help, at the right time, from the right service.
Mark Butler, addressing the National Press Club, stated that the program’s design will ensure that “children receive early, evidence-based intervention so they can thrive in school and beyond.”
This approach is consistent with expert recommendations from the NDIS Independent Review and Health Economist Dr Stephen Duckett, who emphasised that the system must target early, local supports instead of expanding indefinitely.
Read more:
🔗 NDIS Independent Review: Final Report by Dr Stephen Duckett
Final Thoughts
The Thriving Kids Program represents a major shift in how autism support and developmental delay services are delivered in Australia. While some families may worry about losing access to the NDIS, these reforms aim to strengthen early intervention and provide better outcomes for children through mainstream and community-based supports.
At Re.Connect Support Services, we are here to help families, children, and participants understand and adapt to these NDIS changes. We believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, and we’ll continue to stand alongside you as these autism support changes unfold in the coming years.
For personalised guidance or support navigating the Thriving Kids Program, contact our team at Re.Connect Support Services.
References
- Department of Health and Aged Care – Thriving Kids Announcement
- ABC News – NDIS Reforms Explained
- The Guardian – NDIS to Refocus Under New Plan
- NDIS Review – Foundational Supports Recommendations
- 10 Essential Tips for Managing Your NDIS Funding or Plan Effectively
- NDIS Plan Management – Your Ultimate Guide to Maximising Benefits in Australia
