Thriving Kids Program: What Parents of Children with Autism Need to Know

Change can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to the supports your child relies on. Recently, the Federal Government announced a new initiative called the Thriving Kids program, which is set to change how early intervention supports for children with developmental delay and autism are funded in the future. 

At the Lizard Centre, we know parents may have questions and concerns about what this means for their family. While the full details are still being finalised, we’ve pulled together answers to the most common questions to help you feel informed and supported. 

What is the Thriving Kids program?

The Federal Government has announced that they will introduce a thriving Kids program to provide early supports for children with developmental delay and autism. It is designed to give children the right help at the right time, sometimes through schools, community health services or via existing providers. The key difference to the current arrangement is that the funding for supports for these children will not be through the NDIS, but instead through Medicare or other government programs.

Will my child lose their NDIS plan?

Not necessarily. Children with significant and permanent disability will continue to receive funding through the NDIS. Children with mild to moderate autism or development delay may in the future be supported through the new Thriving Kids program instead of thew NDIS. 

Do these changes affect us now?

No. Your child’s current NDIS plan and supports remain in place until the Government finalises the details, which will be phased in over time. We understand that there will be an interim phase between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027 when the NDIS and Thriving Kids will run simultaneously, before the Thriving Kids program takes over on 1 July 2027. 

How will therapy be funded if not through the NDIS?

The Government has said that some supports may be: 

• Funded through Medicare with a GP referral
  
• Delivered through schools or early learning centres
  
• Provided by state health services 

Will the amount of therapy available change?

It’s too early to know. The Government has not confirmed how many sessions will be funded, what the rates will be, or which services will be included

Will I have to pay out of pocket?

We don’t yet know as the Government has yet to release this level of detail, but this is a possibility as there may be a difference between NDIS and Medicare rates. We will let families know as soon as we have clear information. 

When will these changes start?

The Government has indicated that changes will roll out gradually from July 2026. There is still time to prepare and we will update you regularly. 

What does this mean for my child’s therapy with the Lizard Centre?

Our commitment to supporting your child doesn’t change. We are preparing to work across the NDIS and the new Thriving Kids system as best we can with the information currently available, so you can stay with the therapists you know and trust. 

How will you support families through the change?

• We’ll keep you informed with the latest information as we receive it
  
• We’ll help you understand the funding options for your child
  
• We’ll stay across the changes and share with you how we intend to adapt our services to fit both the NDIS and Thriving Kids systems 

Who can I speak to if I am worried?

You can always contact us on 1800 681 973 to talk about your child’s situation. We’re here to guide you through any changes and make sure your child continues to receive the support they need. 

Or, for more information view the Government Fact Sheet at Thriving Kids – Fact sheet | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing