The Federal Government has just announced a major new initiative called Thriving Kids, designed to better support children with mild-to-moderate developmental delays and autism. The program will launch on 1 July 2026 with a $2 billion investment.
At For Care, we know how important early support can be for families. While there are still details to be worked out, here’s what we know so far- and what it might mean for you and your child.
What Is the Thriving Kids Program?
According to Minister for Disability and the NDIS, Mark Butler, Thriving Kids will provide early intervention supports outside the NDIS, ensuring children and families get the right help sooner.
Some of the initiatives under consideration include:
- A national version of the Inklings program (currently piloted in WA) to help parents better understand and engage with their baby’s communication style.
- Workforce training for GPs to spot developmental delays, plus a new Medicare item for bulk-billed child development assessments.
- New Medicare supports for allied health services.
- Expanded community centres where families can drop in for support.
- Nationally consistent online resources for families.
- More support services provided through early childhood education centres, backed by the government’s $1 billion Building Early Education Fund.
The program will be shaped in consultation with the disability community, with Professor Frank Oberklaid, a leading paediatrician and childhood development expert, leading the consultation process.
Why is Thriving Kids Being Developed?
The government has identified that the NDIS is growing fastest among children, particularly those with mild-to-moderate developmental delays and autism. Currently, 1 in 10 Australian children are on the NDIS, including 1 in 6 boys. Around half of all new entrants are under the age of 9.
Thriving Kids aims to:
- Provide the right support earlier- so families aren’t forced to rely on the NDIS as the only option.
- Ensure the NDIS remains focused on its original purpose: supporting people with permanent and significant disabilities.
- Create a sustainable system that balances national consistency with local delivery.
What Happens If My Child Is Already on the NDIS?
Minister Butler made it clear that children currently on the NDIS – or who join before Thriving Kids launches – will not automatically lose their access to supports. However, as with all NDIS participants, plans will still be subject to regular reassessments.
What Can Families Expect?
While full details will be confirmed during the consultation process, here’s what families can expect from Thriving Kids:
- A nationally consistent program delivered under Federal leadership, with support from States and Territories.
- A strong focus on early childhood development, schools, and community health services.
- Better access to early assessments, therapies, and parent-focused programs without the need to rely solely on the NDIS.
- Focused services on children aged 8 and under mild to moderate developmental delay and autism – and their families. Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be supported through the NDIS.
What This Means For You
This announcement signals a big shift in the way children with developmental delays and autism are supported in Australia. For families, it means:
- More options for early support outside the NDIS.
- Greater peace of mind that help will be available closer to home – through schools, GPs, and community centres.
- Continued reassurance that if your child is already on the NDIS, you won’t lose support overnight.
As more details become available, we’ll continue to share updates with our community and support families to navigate these changes.
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