- Thriving Kids is for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs.
- State services start from 1 October 2026; full rollout by 1 January 2028.
- No diagnosis is needed.
- Children with high support needs stay eligible for the NDIS.
What is Thriving Kids?
Thriving Kids is the first part of "Foundational Supports": help for people with disability outside the NDIS. The Australian Government and the states and territories agreed to jointly contribute $4 billion over 5 years, with at least $1.4 billion of the Commonwealth's $2 billion going directly to the states for Thriving Kids services.1
When does it start?
- From 1 October 2026: state and territory services begin rolling out.
- By 1 January 2028: Thriving Kids should be fully in place, ahead of changes to NDIS access for children from that date.1
The details differ by state and territory and are still being finalised.2
What supports will it offer?
According to the government, supports will include:3
- Information about child development and where to get help
- Developmental checks to spot delays early
- Parenting programs, peer support and supported playgroups
- Targeted supports such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and psychology
Many supports will be reached through everyday places like GPs, early childhood services and schools.
How is it different from the NDIS?
The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports for people with permanent and significant disability. Thriving Kids is a separate system for younger children with low to moderate support needs. Children with high support needs, including autistic children, stay eligible for the NDIS under the usual rules.1
What can families do now?
- Keep notes on your child's development and what helps
- Ask your GP or early childhood service about local supports
- Check your state or territory's Thriving Kids updates
- Keep using routines and visual supports at home
- Waiting for a new program before getting help
- Stopping current NDIS supports early
What can I do this week?
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Read next: Can my autistic child get NDIS funding?
