05/02/2026
Dear Parents, Your Speech Room is working behind the scenes to stay up to date with the latest NDIS changes. Particularly the Thriving Kids initiative. As we learn, we will keep you informed. For now, please read this great summary from Belongside Families 💙
New Thriving Kids report: What families need to know right now.
You may have seen recent news about the new Thriving Kids Advisory Group Report and wondered what it means for your child and family.
When systems change, especially ones that your family relies on, it’s completely understandable to be worried or concerned. You’re not alone. Many parents are feeling uncertain right now and have lots of unanswered questions.
There is a lot being said online, and not all of it is accurate. Which is why we wanted to share a clear, factual summary of what has been announced so far, what is confirmed, and what this means for families right now.
Here are the key things to know.
🔸Nothing changes right now
All current supports continue exactly as they are. If your child receives support through:
• The NDIS
• Early childhood intervention
• School, health services or community programs
Nothing changes right now as a result of this announcement.
🔸When will things change?
• 1 October 2026
Thriving Kids will begin to roll out.
• 1 January 2028
Thriving Kids will be fully implemented, and new NDIS access requirements for children aged 0-8 will take effect.
🔸What this means if your child is on the NDIS
• Children aged 0-8 who are already on the NDIS, or who join before 1 January 2028, can stay on the NDIS. They will be subject to the usual eligibility and reassessment rules that are in place now.
• From 1 January 2028, the NDIS eligibility rules will change for children aged 0-8. After that date, the NDIS will continue to be available for children with permanent and significant disability, including those with developmental delay and/or autism with high support needs.
🔸Who will Thriving Kids be for
Thriving Kids is intended for children aged 0-8 with developmental delay and/or autism, with low to moderate support needs, and their families and carers.
🔸How families will access Thriving Kids supports
Thriving Kids is being designed to have multiple “entry points”, to make it easier to work out where to go first to get help, including:
• Through people you may already know, like GPs, Child and Family Health Nurses, early learning services.
• Online and over the phone, to get information, guidance and help finding supports
Access is based on what a child needs, not on having a diagnosis. Families may move between different types of support over time, depending on what helps their child most at that point.
🔸What kinds of supports are expected under Thriving Kids?
Based on what has been announced so far, Thriving Kids is expected to include a mix of supports for children and families, including:
• Individual support - From professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, for some children when other supports are not enough.
• Support in everyday settings - At home, in the community, early learning, childcare, and school.
• Support for parents and families - Including peer support groups, facilitated playgroups, parenting programs and workshops.
• Early identification and guidance - From GPs, Child and Family Health Nurses and other professionals, without needing to wait for a diagnosis.
• Equipment - Including low-cost assistive technology, aids and equipment to support a child’s development and participation
🔸Do you need to do anything now?
No. There's no application, no forms, no eligibility changes today. Nothing is required from families at this stage.
🔸A note on the Thriving Kids report
The Thriving Kids report sets out a national model and recommendations developed by the Thriving Kids Advisory Group. It describes the core principles, types of supports, and approach governments have agreed to work towards.
State and Territory governments will fund and deliver most Thriving Kids supports in your local area. The Australian Government will oversee the national approach and make sure information is consistent across the country.
More details will become clear as governments work through implementation and local planning over the coming months and years.
🧡 You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll continue to share updates as more details are confirmed.
For more information:
Thriving Kids Advisory Group Report: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-advisory-group-final-report
Thriving Kids Questions and Answers: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-questions-and-answers
