NDIS Thriving Kids Program (2025–2026): What We Know So Far + How to Prepare
Updated November 2025
If you’ve been hearing about the new NDIS Thriving Kids Program and feeling unsure what it will mean for your child and family, you’re not alone. Many parents I have spoken with recently in my local community practice are feeling anxious and, honestly, a little frustrated. The wording around these changes hasn’t helped. The NDIS Thriving Kids Program is being described as supporting children with “mild to moderate developmental delay and autism”, while children with “permanent and significant disability” remain on the NDIS.
Now, if you’re thinking, “Hang on a second… isn’t autism permanent? And how exactly do we decide what counts as mild one day and severe the next?”, then I can assure you that you’re not the only one. Autism is such a spectrum that a child might cope well in one area of life and need significant support in another. Or have a “good day” where they appear to be managing, followed by a day where everything feels impossible. Trying to squeeze autism into neat boxes of ‘mild, moderate, severe’ just doesn’t reflect real life. No matter what pathway your child eventually falls under, the focus will always be on helping them learn, participate and thrive in their everyday routines.
That’s why I’ve put this guide together. To break down what is actually known about Thriving Kids so far, to help you prepare for what is coming, and to remind you that you don’t have to navigate this alone. I’ll also keep this post updated as more information comes out, so you always have a reliable place to check back in.
Quick take (what we know so far): The Australian Government has announced NDIS Thriving Kids Program to provide foundational supports for children aged 0–8 with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism, with first services expected from 1 July 2026 and a phased ramp-up over 12 months. They have stated that “children with permanent and significant disability will continue under the NDIS.”
I’ll be keeping this NDIS Thriving Kids Program guide updated as more details come out. If you would like updates, along with practical OT resources you can use at home and school, you can join here.
What is the NDIS Thriving Kids Program?
The NDIS Thriving Kids program is being designed to sit alongside the NDIS. It’s not replacing the NDIS, but instead aims to provide earlier and more consistent support for children whose needs can be met through what are called foundational supports (what foundational supports actually means). They include things like parent coaching, help in schools, and practical strategies delivered in everyday settings. If you would like to see what this could look like in real life, you can read our post on Examples of NDIS Foundational Supports.
It is being introduced because the government has recognised that the NDIS should stay focused on people with permanent and significant disability, while families who need lower intensity support should still have access to help without needing a full NDIS plan.
Who is eligible for Thriving Kids?
Want to understand exactly who may qualify under the upcoming NDIS Thriving Kids Program? We have created a clear breakdown of current information regarding eligibility, diagnostic considerations, and how early intervention supports may fit into the new model. Read our full guide: NDIS Thriving Kids Program Eligibility.
Based on the information available so far:
- Age: Children 0 to 8 years old.
- Needs profile: Mild to moderate developmental delay or autism where foundational supports are suitable
- Who stays in the NDIS? Children with permanent and significant disability who require ongoing individualised supports.
Who decides what counts as “mild, moderate, or severe”?
This is one of the biggest questions parents are already asking about the new NDIS Thriving Kids Program: who decides whether my child’s autism is mild, moderate or severe?
Right now, the government has not released a clear answer. They have not said whether decisions will be based on ASD diagnostic levels (Level 1, 2, 3) or something completely different, such as a new assessment tool or functional needs framework.
From my experience as an OT, I see every day how differently autism can present across children. A child might present as needing minimal support in one domain (say, motor skills) but require significant help in another (like communication, social participation, or emotional regulation). And a child who appears “mild” on a good day may need intensive support on a tough day. That variability is the very nature of autism, which is why many parents (and professionals) are finding the wording confusing.
At this stage, all we know is that the Thriving Kids framework is being co-designed with states, territories and expert groups. The exact criteria determining who enters the foundational supports pathway and who remains with the NDIS will be released closer to 2026.
What you can do right now:
- Keep copies of all assessments and reports you already have. These will be important in showing your child’s needs across settings.
- Track your child’s strengths and challenges over time. Severity can vary depending on routines, environments and daily demands.
- Stay connected to updates. I will keep this post refreshed as soon as official criteria are released.
What supports will be included?
Although the detailed list has not been finalised, the government has indicated that supports under the NDIS Thriving Kids Program will be delivered where children already spend their time, including:
- Child and maternal health services and primary care (GPs/Medicare)
- Playgroups and early childhood education
- Schools
- Parent coaching and support with daily routines
- Digital and phone supports
The focus of the NDIS Thriving Kids Program is on practical, everyday strategies and earlier intervention, rather than relying solely on individualised therapy packages.
Timeline (and what happens during the transition)
- Program design: Ongoing throughout 2025
- Rollout: Starting 1 July 2026 over a 12 month period
- Broader NDIS changes: Planned from mid 2027
- Current NDIS participants: Children already on the NDIS will continue under their current arrangements, including reassessments. The government has stated that no child will be shifted without supports in place.
How might this affect my child?
This is the question weighing on most parents’ minds. The truth is that it depends. Here is what we know so far:
- Children 0 to 8 with mild to moderate developmental needs may be directed to Thriving Kids foundational supports instead of an NDIS plan. Supports are likely to look more like short-term or group-based programs, parent coaching and help provided in everyday settings.
- Children with permanent and significant disability will remain in the NDIS, with access to individualised funding and supports.
- Children in the middle are the group most families are worried about. Until eligibility rules are published, we will not know how children with uneven or fluctuating needs will be categorised.
As an OT, I can see positives in more children receiving support earlier, without the complexity of the NDIS. But I also hear the genuine fears. Will foundational supports be enough? Will my child miss out? These questions are valid, and answers will become clearer as the program is finalised.
Practical steps you can take now (parent checklist)
While the rollout is still a while away, there are things you can do now to feel more prepared:
- Keep your paperwork organised
- Ask current providers how goals can be supported in everyday routines
- Work closely with your child’s school or daycare
- Use visual supports such as schedules and first then boards
- Track your child’s progress with simple notes
- Stay updated through reputable sources and check back here regularly
Occupational Therapy recommended tools you can use right away
Whether you’re in the NDIS or heading towards Thriving Kids, these supports can make everyday life smoother:
- Visual schedules
- First then boards
- Calm down choice cards
- Fine motor worksheets
- ADHD daily routine charts
FAQs — NDIS Thriving Kids Program
When does the NDIS Thriving Kids Program start?
First services are expected from 1 July 2026, with a 12 month ramp-up.
Who is the NDIS Thriving Kids Program for?
Children aged 0 to 8 with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism, where foundational supports are considered suitable. Children with permanent and significant disability will remain supported by the NDIS.
Is the NDIS Thriving Kids Program replacing the NDIS for children?
No. Thriving Kids sits alongside the NDIS. The NDIS remains for children with permanent and significant disability, while Thriving Kids provides earlier support for lower-intensity developmental needs.
What kinds of supports will be available through the NDIS Thriving Kids Program?
Evidence-based supports delivered in health, education and community settings, along with digital and phone-based options and parent coaching.
What if my child is already on the NDIS?
They will continue under usual arrangements, including reassessments. The government has stated that no child will be moved without supports in place.
What about changes to NDIS assessments?
The government is developing a more standardised needs assessment tool for mid 2026. This sits separately to the Thriving Kids rollout but will be relevant for families entering the system.
Change can feel really unsettling, especially when there are still so many unanswered questions. I hear this worry from many parents in my practice, and I know the uncertainty can add to the load you already carry.
I will keep this post updated as new information is released so you have a clear and reliable place to come back to. In the meantime, focusing on small, predictable routines, supportive visuals, strong connections with teachers and celebrating little wins can make everyday life feel more manageable for your child. These supports genuinely make a difference.
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