What the new “Thriving Kids” program means for families – a plain-English guide

Last updated: 29 August 2025

Intro

The Australian Government has just announced its intention to create a new program called Thriving Kids for young children with mild to moderate autism or developmental delays. Important: this is a very new announcement and the government has shared the intent, but the program is still being designed. Many practical details (who will qualify, how services will be funded, and how local delivery will work) are not yet final and may change. In this blog article we’ll share with you the information the federal government has provided so far, and we’ll continue to post updates on this page as more information is released.

TL;DR – quick summary

  • What’s changing: The Australian government is planning to launch a new $2bn program called Thriving Kids to deliver early supports through health, education and community services rather than through the NDIS for children with ‘mild to moderate’ autism or developmental delays. 
  • Who will be affected: Based on what the government has communicated, Children under 9 years old with ‘mild to moderate’ autism or developmental delays will be moved to the new Thriving Kids program, while children with permanent and significant disabilities will remain supported by the NDIS.
  • When will these changes happen: Current indicative target timelines are: 
    • Co-design with state governments in 2025 from now until end 2025 
    • Initial rollout from 1 July 2026
    • Full roll out across Australia by mid-2027 (these are targets and may change). 
  • Immediate impact: No immediate changes – children already on the NDIS will keep their plans for now. 
  • Industry response: Allied Health Service Providers, advocacy groups and peak bodies have raised concerns, are debating funding and Medicare changes, and are preparing for legal actions. We’re tracking these developments closely.
  • What families can do now: keep current supports active, keep assessments/reports up to date, and watch this page for updates.
  • How Back to Basics will help families: We’ll monitor developments and share plain language updates on this page. We’ll continue your child’s current supports and make sure plans and reports are up to date, and we’ll provide step-by-step guidance to make any future transition as smooth as possible.

The detail

What is Thriving Kids?

Thriving Kids is the federal government’s proposed $2bn program to increase access to early childhood supports via mainstream systems such as GPs, maternal & child health services, preschools and schools. The idea is to provide earlier, community-based help to children with mild–moderate developmental differences so the NDIS can remain focused on people with long-term, significant disability. Again: this description reflects the government’s stated intent – the detailed program design is still being finalised.

When will these changes happen?

  • Design/co-design: ongoing in late 2025 (federal and state collaboration).
  • Initial rollout (target): 1 July 2026.
  • Full rollout (target):mid-2027, when access pathways for young children could change.

These are government targets and may be adjusted.

Why is the government making this change?

The government’s stated aims are:

  • Reach children earlier by embedding supports in the services families already use, and
  • Target NDIS resources to people with the most persistent, intensive support needs to protect the scheme’s sustainability.

These are policy objectives – how they translate to eligibility, referral routes, and funding models is what’s now being worked through between the federal and state governments.

How has the Allied Health Industry responded to this change?

The announcement has prompted strong reactions across the industry. Providers (including Back to Basics), advocacy groups and peak bodies are actively debating the design, some parent groups are mobilising to influence the detail, and advisers are warning that the size and targeting of the announced funding will be key. Experts are also watching for how Medicare-style allied health items (and any bulk-billing rules) will be structured as these funding mechanics will affect how services are delivered and paid for. We are involved in industry discussions closely and will summarise major developments here as they are confirmed.

What could these changes mean for families? 

  • Families with children already on the NDIS: no immediate change – existing plans and supports continue while Thriving Kids is designed and rolled out.
  • Families of children with mild–moderate needs not currently supported by the NDIS: these children may in future access supports through Thriving Kids (for example, via Medicare-style rebates, state-funded programs, or school-based services) rather than an individual NDIS plan. Eligibility rules and referral routes are still in the early stages of development.
  • Service delivery changes: a stronger emphasis on supports in mainstream settings (preschool, school, community clinics) and on coaching parents and educators to embed strategies into daily routines, rather than only clinic-based one-to-one therapy.
  • Funding and billing: services previously funded through NDIS plans may be funded differently under Thriving Kids (e.g., Medicare items or state funding). This will change billing and claiming processes for providers, sp we’ll share specifics once they’ve been confirmed.
  • What should not change: the clinical need for specialist therapy remains – speech pathology, occupational therapy, behaviour support and developmental education expertise will still be required even if pathways and settings change.

How will Back to Basics support families?

This announcement is new and the details are still being worked out. But we’ll do what we always do – support our clients and families with trusted support now and into the future. Here’s how we’ll support you:

  • Clear updates: We’ll keep you in the loop on this page with plain, jargon-free language as more information becomes available.
  • Continuity of care: We’ll continue your child’s current supports and proactively support families before any changes take effect by reviewing plans, preparing documentation and coordinating with you and other services so that care remains uninterrupted.
  • Step-by-step guidance: If your child transitions to Thriving Kids, we’ll be here to guide you and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
  • Advocacy & industry engagement: we will work with other allied-health providers, peak bodies and parent groups to advocate for the right level of supports and sustainable funding for children, and to represent families’ needs during co-design and procurement discussions.

What can families do to prepare for these changes?

  • Keep current supports active. If your child is on the NDIS, continue to use your plan funding and attend booked therapy sessions so supports and progress are maintained.
  • Keep assessments, reports and the Support Plan up to date. Current documentation (therapy reports, school notes, paediatric assessments and support plans) makes it easier to decide whether a child should transition to Thriving Kids or stay on the NDIS. Back to Basics Health Group can help through our Annual Action Review Process [link]. If your child hasn’t had a recent therapy report, ask your clinician for one.
  • Stay connected with your GP and child health services. GPs and maternal & child health teams are likely to be key referral points under Thriving Kids, so keep them informed about your child’s progress.
  • Keep clear records. Save clinical notes, progress data, assessment reports and any related correspondence. We store clinicians’ documentation on file and can provide copies to you on request.
  • Tell your clinician straight away about any NDIS review or re-eligibility contact. If you’re asked to attend an NDIS assessment or plan review, notify your therapist so we can support you with up-to-date records and preparation.

Where can I find out more?

(We will keep this list current as details are released.)

Final note — we’re watching this closely

We understand this kind of policy news can be worrying. Our commitment to your child’s and family’s wellbeing is as strong as it’s always been. We’ll continue to monitor developments, translate technical announcements into clear guidance, and publish updates here.