22/04/2026
🫶 I know today’s NDIS announcements have created a lot of anxiety. That’s completely understandable, especially given the media coverage over the past few weeks. 🫶
It’s important to remember that announcements are not immediate changes. Many of what’s been discussed will take time to implement, and some will require legislative changes, which means further delays before anything is actually in place.
One of the key areas flagged is the introduction of “Thriving Kids”. From what we know so far, this will likely be rolled out gradually, with new entrants to the scheme being directed there first.
However, there are still a lot of unknowns and some real concerns.
Rolling something like this out successfully will be challenging.
There are questions around whether there will be enough providers, whether services will align with Medicare, and whether allied health professionals will be adequately financially supported to deliver care under this model.
That said, it does sound like there may be a pathway within Thriving Kids for allied health professionals to refer children into the NDIS where there is clear evidence of a lifelong condition and functional impairment.
For families of children with ASD Level 1 or 2 who also have intellectual or cognitive impairments, I cannot stress this enough:
If you can, consider obtaining a formal intellectual assessment.
I know this comes at a cost, and that’s not fair many families simply don’t have the financial capacity. But an Intellectual Disability (ID) diagnosis can provide an added layer of protection if access criteria become tighter. Some schools can assist with assessments through psychology referrals, so it’s worth exploring that option.
Another change flagged is the capping of community participation funding, which will likely have the greatest impact on adult participants. This is something we’ll need to watch closely, as it could significantly affect access to social and community-based supports.
One of the most immediate changes we’re likely to see is around the NDIS Price Guide. There are strong indications that separate pricing structures will be introduced for registered and non-registered providers.
In addition, independent support workers operating under an ABN may no longer be able to claim for high-intensity supports under plan or self-managed arrangements. This could have significant impacts on families who rely on these supports.
My hope is that independent workers begin exploring their options now to minimise disruption for the participants they support.
This is a really telling time. The NDIS does need to be protected for long-term sustainability, but it’s hard not to feel that the focus often overlooks the real life impact on families, and the internal costs within the system itself.
If you have a plan reassessment coming up, I would strongly recommend working with a provider who can complete an I-CAN assessment. This appears to be one of the new tools being used, and having it completed by your own team will likely give a far more accurate representation than one completed Internally by NDIS.
I really hope these changes are gradual and don’t impact you and your family in the ways many are feeling right now.
We’re all navigating this together. Stay informed, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to advocate for what your child needs. 🌸
