# What is the NDIS early childhood approach?

> Who it's for, what early childhood partners do, and how it fits with Thriving Kids.

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

**Short answer:** The NDIS early childhood approach is for children younger than 9 with developmental delay or disability. Local early childhood partners help families quickly, through 'early connections', information and links to community supports, even if a child isn't eligible for the NDIS. For NDIS early intervention, developmental delay applies to children younger than 6.

**Key takeaways**
- For children **younger than 9** with **developmental delay or disability**.
- **Early childhood partners** give quick help, even without NDIS eligibility.
- **No diagnosis** is needed to ask for help.
- **Thriving Kids** adds new supports from **October 2026**.

## Who is the early childhood approach for?

It's for children **younger than 9** with delays in their development or disability, and their families. It aims to help children build skills, take part in daily activities and be included in their community.[1]

## What do early childhood partners do?

Early childhood partners are local organisations funded to deliver the approach. They can:[1]

- Talk with you about your concerns
- Offer **early connections**: quick, short-term support
- Link you with community and mainstream supports
- Help you apply to the NDIS if your child needs longer-term support

## How does it fit with Thriving Kids?

From **1 October 2026**, Thriving Kids starts rolling out for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs.[2] Families will increasingly be guided to the right place: Thriving Kids, community supports, or the NDIS for children with high support needs. See [What is Thriving Kids?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/thriving-kids)

**Bring examples.** When you talk to a partner, bring a few specific examples of what's hard in your child's day and what you've tried.

## What can I do at home while I wait?

Everyday routines are a great place to start. Picture schedules, first-then boards and simple choices help many young children understand what's happening and what's next.

**Try:**
- A picture routine for one hard part of the day
- Showing "first, then" for transitions
- Two picture choices instead of open questions

**Skip:**
- Waiting for a diagnosis to start
- Changing everything at once

**See your GP if....** your child loses skills they had, or you're worried about their hearing, vision or health.

Free printable: [Free printable: starter pack](https://theautismkit.com/printables/starter-pack.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Find your local early childhood partner
- [ ] Write down 3 examples of what's hard
- [ ] Try one picture routine at home

Read next: [How do I apply to the NDIS for my autistic child?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/ndis-application-autism)

## Common questions

### Who can contact an early childhood partner?

Families can contact one directly if they're worried about their child's development. You don't need a referral or a diagnosis.

### What's the difference between developmental delay and disability here?

Developmental delay applies to children younger than 6. Children younger than 9 with a disability, such as autism, can also be supported through the approach.

### How does this fit with Thriving Kids?

From October 2026, Thriving Kids adds supports outside the NDIS for children 8 and under with low to moderate needs. Early childhood partners and other services will help families find the right path.

## Sources

1. NDIS: Guide to the early childhood approach. https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying/children/guide-early-childhood-approach
2. NDIS: Thriving Kids (5 February 2026). https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11085-thriving-kids

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