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

Thriving Kids Program: What Families Need to Know About Changes to Early Intervention Support

Change can feel overwhelming, especially when it affects the supports your child relies on. In September 2025, the Federal Government announced a new initiative called the Thriving Kids program, which aims to reshape how early intervention supports for children with developmental delay and autism may be funded in the future.

Since the announcement, the Federal Government has reached an agreement with state and territory governments, committing a combined $4 billion over five years to establish the program. Implementation is expected to begin progressively from 2026, with full rollout planned by 2028.

At Lizard Centre, we understand that families may have questions about what these changes mean for their child’s therapy, funding and future supports. While some details are still being finalised, we have answered the most common questions to help families feel informed, prepared and supported.

What Is the Thriving Kids Program?

The Thriving Kids program is a new Australian Government initiative designed to provide early support for children aged eight years and under who have developmental delay or autism.

The program aims to help children access the right support at the right time through services such as schools, community health services, early learning centres and approved providers.

A key difference from the current system is that some children who currently receive supports through the NDIS may access future assistance through Medicare or other government-funded programs instead.

The expected rollout timeline includes:

• 1 October 2026: Thriving Kids services are expected to begin rolling out across participating states and territories.
• 1 January 2028: Full implementation of the program is expected to be completed.

During the transition period, the NDIS and Thriving Kids program will operate alongside each other. Families should continue receiving existing supports while new arrangements are introduced.

What Services and Supports Will Be Available Through Thriving Kids?

The exact services available through Thriving Kids will vary between states and territories as governments continue finalising their individual approaches.

Generally, families can expect two broad levels of support:

• General supports: Information, advice, parenting guidance and help navigating local services for families who have concerns about their child’s development.
• Targeted supports: Goal-focused assistance for children who require additional support. This may include allied health services such as behaviour support, speech pathology and occupational therapy, as well as early intervention playgroups, parent education and service coordination.

NSW is currently the first state to release more detailed information about the program, with other states and territories continuing to develop their own approaches.

Will My Child Lose Their NDIS Plan?

Not necessarily. Children with significant and permanent disability are expected to continue receiving support through the NDIS.

Children with mild to moderate autism or developmental delay may, in the future, receive support through the Thriving Kids program instead of the NDIS.

Any changes to NDIS access arrangements will require updates to legislation. The Government has stated that it will continue working with families, providers and the disability sector as these changes are developed.

Do These Changes Affect My Child Right Now?

No. Your child’s current NDIS plan and supports remain in place while the Government continues finalising the details of the Thriving Kids program.

Any changes will be introduced gradually to help ensure children and families continue receiving the support they need throughout the transition.

How Will Therapy Be Funded If It Is Not Through the NDIS?

The Government has indicated that future supports may be delivered through different funding pathways, including:

• Medicare services with GP referral pathways
• Schools and early learning centres
• State-based health and community services

The final funding arrangements, eligibility criteria and service availability are still being developed.

Will the Amount of Therapy Available Change?

It is currently too early to confirm. The Government has not yet released final details about therapy limits, funding amounts, provider arrangements or the full range of services that will be available.

Lizard Centre will continue monitoring updates and sharing information with families as more details become available.

Will Families Need to Pay Out of Pocket?

At this stage, there is not enough information available to confirm whether families will have any out-of-pocket costs.

There may be differences between current NDIS funding arrangements and future Medicare or government-funded services. Advocacy groups continue to call for accessible and affordable supports that reduce financial barriers for families.

Has the Community Had Input Into the Thriving Kids Program?

Yes. Families, disability organisations, service providers and advocacy groups have contributed feedback during the development of the program.

A parliamentary inquiry received hundreds of submissions and highlighted the importance of genuine consultation, strong safeguards and a carefully managed transition to help ensure children do not lose access to essential supports.

The Government continues reviewing feedback and refining the program design.

What Does Thriving Kids Mean for My Child’s Therapy at Lizard Centre?

Our commitment to supporting your child does not change.

Lizard Centre is preparing to support families through both the current NDIS system and future Thriving Kids arrangements as more information becomes available.

Our goal remains the same: helping children access quality early intervention and behaviour support from trusted professionals.

How Will Lizard Centre Support Families Through These Changes?

• We will continue sharing updates as new information becomes available.
• We will help families understand potential funding pathways and available support options.
• We will continue adapting our services to support children across both NDIS and Thriving Kids systems.

Who Can I Speak to If I Am Worried?

If you have concerns about how these changes may affect your child, you can contact the Lizard Centre team on 1800 681 973.

Our team is here to answer your questions, provide guidance and help ensure your child continues receiving the support they need.

For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Thriving Kids program page.