# What changed for autistic children in the NDIS in 2026?

> Thriving Kids, the new way of planning, and the lists of what the NDIS can fund, explained for families of autistic children.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/ndis-changes-2026
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** In 2026, the biggest change for autistic children is Thriving Kids: from 1 October, children 8 and under with low to moderate support needs can get support outside the NDIS. The NDIS is also moving to a new way of planning from mid-2026, but children under 18 aren't part of the first changes. NDIS funding can only be spent on items in the official NDIS supports lists.

**Key takeaways**
- **Thriving Kids** starts **1 October 2026** for children 8 and under with low to moderate needs.
- **New framework planning** starts with a small group from mid-2026; **children aren't in the first stage**.
- NDIS funding follows official lists of **what is and isn't an NDIS support**.
- **Current plans stay in place** until you're told otherwise.

## What is Thriving Kids?

A new system of supports outside the NDIS for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. State services start from 1 October 2026, with full rollout by 1 January 2028. Children with high support needs stay eligible for the NDIS.[1] Read more in [What is Thriving Kids?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/thriving-kids)

## What is new framework planning?

The NDIS is introducing a new way of planning that includes a **support needs assessment**: a guided conversation with a trained NDIS assessor. From mid-2026 it starts with a small number of participants and will roll out over several years. **Children under 18 won't be part of the initial changes.** Plans will still be approved by trained NDIS staff.[2]

## What can NDIS funding pay for?

NDIS laws set out two lists: supports that **are** NDIS supports (37 categories) and supports that **aren't** (15 categories). Funding must be used for NDIS supports that relate to your child's disability and fit their plan. In some cases the NDIS approves "replacement supports" on application.[3]

| Change | When | Affects children? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thriving Kids | From 1 October 2026 | Yes: 8 and under, low to moderate needs |
| NDIS access changes for children | From 1 January 2028 (agreed in principle) | Yes |
| New framework planning | Small start from mid-2026 | Not in the first stage |
| NDIS supports lists | In place | Yes: guides what funding can buy |

**Keep good records.** Save reports, plans and notes on what's helping. They'll be useful for reviews and any move to Thriving Kids.

**Get help if....** you're unsure how changes affect your child's plan. Contact the NDIS, your plan manager or support coordinator, or a
  disability advocacy service.

Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf)

## What can I do now?

- [ ] Check your child's plan dates
- [ ] Keep copies of reports and progress notes
- [ ] Read the NDIS supports lists
- [ ] Watch for Thriving Kids updates in your state

Read next: [Can the NDIS pay for apps like visual schedules?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/ndis-apps-assistive-technology)

## Common questions

### Will my child's current NDIS plan change right away?

No. Current plans stay in place, and the NDIS says participants will get information before anything changes for them.

### Is my child part of new framework planning?

Not in the first stage. The NDIS says children under 18 won't be part of the initial changes, which start with a small number of participants from mid-2026.

### What can NDIS funding be spent on?

Only items on the 'NDIS supports' list, related to your child's disability and in line with their plan. There's also a list of what isn't an NDIS support.

## Sources

1. NDIS: Thriving Kids (5 February 2026). https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11085-thriving-kids
2. NDIS: Update on the new way of planning for the NDIS (9 February 2026). https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11083-update-new-way-planning-ndis
3. NDIS: What are NDIS supports. https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.