Anyone who has interacted with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) knows it has its shortcomings. Now, newly-announced changes are being made aimed at curbing costs and bringing the NDIS back in line with what it calls its “original purpose” – and if you’ve got kids with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism, you need to know what’s happening.
During a National Press Club address this week, Health Minister Mark Butler detailed a sweeping package of reforms to the NDIS, including a major shift in how disability supports will be delivered.
The main change is that the Federal Government – working alongside states and territories – will establish a new category of disability services known as “foundational supports”, which will give people deemed to have ‘less severe disabilities’ access to other programs, rather than having them rely solely on the NDIS.
This was a recommendation of the 2023 NDIS review, which reiterated the original purpose of the scheme which was that it should not be the only port of call for all disabilities.
Thriving Kids
The first nationwide foundational supports program will be called Thriving Kids, a program is designed to provide early help for children with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism, reducing the need for them to enter the NDIS.
Practical measures are still being worked through, but the government has said it could include:
- Free Medicare checks at age three to detect developmental issues.
- New bulk-billed allied health services, including occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychosocial supports.
- Expansion of play-based developmental programs already being trialled in schools and childcare centres.
Thriving Kids is set to begin from mid-2026 and fully roll out by mid-2027.
What this means for families on the NDIS
From mid-2027, eligibility for the NDIS will shift, with children with mild to moderate autism or developmental delay expected to access Thriving Kids instead.
The government has confirmed that no child will be forced off the NDIS before alternative supports are available.
Other NDIS changes
The government has already begun updating how NDIS plans are managed. From September, funding will be allocated based on impairment categories – such as intellectual, cognitive, sensory, neurological, physical or psychosocial – rather than simply a disability diagnosis.
Instead of upfront lump sums, participants will receive ongoing payments tied to their assessed needs.
The Thriving Kids program is only the beginning, with the government confirming that other foundational supports will follow, with the next group likely to be adults living with severe and complex mental illness.
Further initiatives are also expected for teenagers and young adults with disability, particularly those navigating major transitions like finishing school, starting work, or moving into independent living.
Will these changes work for kids and their families?
We don’t know the answer to that and probably won’t until the scheme is in place. You will be key in letting us know how it is going. Also, if you are a member of a disability advocacy group, let them know your thoughts.
