Thriving Kids Program: What Parents Need to Know
Information accurate as of September 2025
The Australian Government has announced a major new initiative that will transform how we support young children with developmental delays and autism. The Thriving Kids program represents a $2 billion Commonwealth commitment to help children aged 8 and under thrive in their early years, while ensuring the NDIS remains focused on those with permanent and significant disabilities.
If you’re a parent or carer of a young child, here’s what you need to know about this important new program.
Background: Why Thriving Kids?
The Thriving Kids program is part of broader reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) announced by Minister Butler on 20 August 2025. The NDIS has grown far beyond its original scope, now supporting over 740,000 participants compared to the originally projected 411,000, with one in ten six-year-olds currently on the scheme.
The goal is to restore the NDIS to its original purpose of supporting people with permanent and significant disabilities, while creating a comprehensive support system for children who need help but may not require lifelong NDIS support.
Rather than creating an entirely new system, Thriving Kids will build on services that already exist in our communities. This means working through places families already visit such as maternal and child health centres, GP clinics, playgroups, childcare centres, and schools. The program will also include digital and phone-based support options for families who need them.
The program design is being developed with input from experts, including the Thriving Kids Advisory Group co-chaired by Professor Frank Oberklaid, along with feedback from families and communities across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Thriving Kids designed for?
Thriving Kids is specifically designed for children aged 8 and under who have mild to moderate autism or developmental delays. The program focuses on early identification and support to help these children reach their full potential. Children with permanent and significant disabilities will continue to be supported through the NDIS.
When will the program start?
The first Thriving Kids services are expected to begin from 1 July 2026, with the program rolling out over 12 months to ensure services are well-established. Broader NDIS access changes will take effect from mid-2027, once the new program is fully operational.
How much funding is involved?
The Australian Government has committed $2 billion as the Commonwealth contribution towards the Thriving Kids program. The final program design and total funding arrangements will be worked out in partnership with state and territory governments, who will co-fund the initiative alongside the federal investment.
What types of support will be available?
The program will provide support through services families already use, including:
- Maternal and child health services
- GP clinics and primary care
- Playgroups and early childhood education
- Schools
- Digital and phone-based support services
Support will include helping parents with daily routines, providing advice on activities to do at home, and ensuring children get the right support in places where they learn and play. New Medicare items will be introduced so families can continue to access allied health services such as occupational therapy, speech pathology and psychosocial therapy.
What if my child is already on the NDIS?
Children who are currently receiving NDIS support will continue to receive their services as usual, including through regular reassessments. The NDIS will remain open to new children until the Thriving Kids program is fully up and running in 2027. Any changes will be carefully planned with early childhood experts and families to ensure smooth transitions where appropriate, and no child will be left without support during the transition period.
How will the program design be finalised?
The Government is working closely with state and territory governments, experts, and communities to finalise the program design. This includes input from:
- The Independent Review into the NDIS
- National consultation on Foundational Supports
- The Thriving Kids Advisory Group
- Ongoing community consultation across Australia
Will this affect NDIS access for children who need it?
The program is designed to ensure that children with significant and permanent care needs who require the NDIS continue to receive support. The goal is to create better pathways for all children while maintaining the NDIS as a safety net for those with the highest support needs.
Where can I get more information?
As the program design develops throughout 2025 and early 2026, more information will be made available. The government is prioritising consultation with families and communities to ensure the program meets real needs and builds on what’s already working well in local communities.
Seeking an autism assessment?
The Thriving Kids program represents a significant investment in Australia’s youngest children and their families. By building on existing services and focusing on early support, the program aims to help more children thrive while ensuring the NDIS can continue to support those who need it most.
With changes to NDIS access coming in 2027, many families are seeking assessments now to understand their child’s support needs. Therapy Pro can help guide you through this process with comprehensive autism assessments and diagnoses.
Find out more information or book in a session over on our Assessments page.
Sources:
This information is based on official government announcements and documentation:
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – Thriving Kids program fact sheet
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-08/thriving-kids-fact-sheet.pdf - Speech from Minister Butler, National Press Club – 20 August 2025
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/speech-from-minister-butler-national-press-club-20-august-2025 - Thriving Kids – a new program to support children with developmental delay and autism, and their families
https://www.health.gov.au/news/thriving-kids-a-new-program-to-support-children-with-developmental-delay-and-autism-and-their-families - Radio interview with Minister Butler, 2GB – 21 August 2025
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/radio-interview-with-minister-butler-2gb-21-august-2025 - TV Interview Sunrise Friday, 22 August 2025
https://www.markbutler.net.au/news/transcripts/tv-interview-sunrise-friday-22-august-2025 - Radio interview with Minister Butler, ABC Adelaide Drive – 21 August 2025
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/radio-interview-with-minister-butler-abc-adelaide-drive-21-august-2025
