30/01/2026
✨Thriving kids program update ✨
Over the past year, the Federal Government has been planning major changes to how young children with autism and developmental delay access support. These proposed changes focus on children under 9 years old, who currently receive help through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach.
Under the plan, many children with mild to moderate autism or developmental delay would move from the NDIS into a new state-run early support program called, Thriving Kids. The government says this would allow children to get help earlier, while easing pressure on the NDIS. However, families and disability professionals raised concerns about service gaps, funding clarity, and whether states were ready.
This week, those reforms were delayed after the Commonwealth secured a $25 billion health and hospital funding agreement with states and territories, with states asking for more time to prepare.
The new system is now expected to begin later in 2026. Until then, current NDIS arrangements remain unchanged, giving families and providers short-term certainty while longer-term questions remain.
Watch this space for updates on the Thriving Kids program among other NDIS news.
If you’re looking for SIL or core supports, iHDS is currently accepting referrals across VIC & QLD and we’d love to hear from you
Contact us today on:
📞 1300 004 437
📧 info@ihds.com.au
🌐 i-helpdisability.com.au
✨ https://i-helpdisability.com.au/referral/
✨ See our accommodation vacancies: https://i-helpdisability.com.au/accommodations/
