What is Thriving Kids?

Thriving Kids provides support for children and families outside the NDIS.

It may provide:

• 💬 Help with communication and development
• 🧩 Support for children with developmental difficulties and autism
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Support and information for parents
• 🏫 Connections with local and community services
• 🤝 Social and skill-building activities
• 🌱 Early support to help children develop important skills
• ❤️ Support based on the child’s individual needs

👦 Who can participate?

Thriving Kids is aimed at children aged 7–12 years.

Children may participate through:

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-funded support
• 🏘️ Community services and referrals
• 💙 NDIS-funded activities where appropriate

📅 When will Thriving Kids start?

• 1 October 2026 – Thriving Kids is expected to begin rolling out.
• 1 January 2028 – The program is expected to be operating nationally.
• The changes will happen gradually, not all at once.
• Families will be given information about how the changes may affect them.
• Services may vary between states and local areas, and parents should keep checking for updated information as the program develops.

❓ “Will my child lose their NDIS funding?”

It is completely understandable to be concerned. Here are the key things parents need to know.

• 👧 Children with a permanent and significant disability are expected to continue to be supported by the NDIS.
• 🧩 Children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have high support needs may also remain eligible for the NDIS.
• 🌱 Children with low to moderate support needs may receive support through Thriving Kids instead.

Every child and family is different.

What if my child is already on the NDIS?

• Children already on the NDIS will have transition arrangements.
• Your child’s NDIS plan does not simply stop when Thriving Kids begins.
• Families should receive information about what the changes mean for their child.
• The transition is expected to happen progressively.

What should parents do now? Don’t panic. Stay informed and keep your records.

Keep copies of:

• 📄 Your child’s NDIS plans
• 🧑‍⚕️ Specialist and medical reports
• 🗣️ Speech pathology reports
• 🧩 Occupational therapy reports
• 🧠 Psychology reports
• 📊 Assessments
• 🏫 School or preschool reports
• 📝 Information about your child’s everyday support needs

These records can help explain your child’s needs if their support arrangements change.

❤️ The most important thing to remember

Don’t assume your child’s NDIS support is ending.

• Thriving Kids is being introduced gradually, and the impact will be different for every child and family.
• What matters most is making sure your child continues to receive the right support at the right time.

🌟 The question parents should keep asking is:

“Is my child getting the support they need to learn, participate, and thrive?”

Keep informed. Keep your records. Ask questions. And make sure your child’s individual needs remain at the centre of any changes.