NDIS Thriving Kids Program – What You Need to Know NDIS Updates

Stay up to date with the latest speech pathology tips and trends

We understand that the number and rate of changes to the NDIS, including the latest introduction of the Thriving Kids initiative, may raise questions and concerns for many parents. Here is what we know so far:

What is Thriving Kids?

Thriving Kids is a new government initiative launching in July 2026, designed to support children under 9 years old with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism. It will provide therapy and supports through community-based services like GPs, schools, and childcare settings.

Children with significant and permanent disability will continue to be supported through the NDIS.

Why the Change?

The government says Thriving Kids will make the NDIS more sustainable and expand early help in everyday settings. Here’s what these changes may mean for families:

The NDIS will focus on children with significant and permanent disabilities. Families with children who have mild to moderate needs will be directed to Thriving Kids instead.
Supports will increasingly be delivered in community settings such as schools, GPs, and local health services. This may make access simpler and less bureaucratic for some families.
However, community-based supports may not offer the same level of individualised care, flexibility, or choice of provider that families currently experience under the NDIS.
Funding pathways are changing, and some families may no longer qualify for NDIS plans, even if their child still needs support.
We are in a transition period, and many details are still being worked out. We’ll continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available.

What This Means for Families

If your child already has an NDIS plan, nothing changes right now.
From mid-2027, new applicants with mild to moderate needs will be supported through Thriving Kids instead of the NDIS.
Supports may be easier to access through schools, GPs, and other community services, without needing a formal diagnosis in some cases.

What This Means for Our Clinic

We remain committed to supporting all families, regardless of how your child’s therapy is funded.

Some children may be funded through Medicare, schools, or private funding rather than the NDIS.
We are strengthening partnerships with local health and education services to ensure families receive the right supports.
We will continue to track and share your child’s progress, so you can see clear outcomes and feel confident in their development.

What We Don’t Yet Know

While the government has shared the broad goals of Thriving Kids, there are still details to be confirmed:

How eligibility will be assessed.
What specific supports will be available under Thriving Kids.
How funding will be managed and coordinated across services.
Whether families will need to apply or be referred.

We’re monitoring updates closely and will keep you informed as more information becomes available.

What Can You Do Now?

Stay informed: We’ll continue to share updates as they’re released.
Talk to us: If you have questions or concerns, reach out. We’re here to help.
Share your voice: There is currently a Parliamentary Inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative. This Inquiry is seeking feedback from families, carers, and professionals to help shape the future of the program.

Have Your Say

Your experiences and insights are vital to ensuring that no child is left behind and that supports for children are accessible, inclusive, and effective.

You can participate by giving your feedback via a brief online survey here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Health_Aged_Care_and_Disability/ThrivingKidsinitiative

Deadline: Friday, 10 October 2025

Our Commitment to You

At North Shore Speech Therapy, our mission remains unchanged: We deliver outstanding quality services and help children thrive with communication, learning, and daily life.