The NDIS definition
Section 9 of the NDIS Act defines developmental delay as a delay in the development of a child under 6 that:
- Is caused by a mental or physical impairment, or both
- Results in a substantial reduction in functional capacity in one or more of these areas: self care, receptive and expressive language, cognitive development, or motor development
- Means the child needs a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services that are of extended duration and individually planned and coordinated
Support without a diagnosis
You do not need a diagnosis to get help. The NDIA's early childhood approach supports children younger than 6 with developmental delay, and children younger than 9 with disability, and their families. Children younger than 6 who have developmental concerns but do not fully meet the definition are also supported.
Your first contact is usually your GP, child health nurse or another health professional, who can connect you with an early childhood partner. Through early connections, the partner can give information, link you with community and mainstream services, and provide some short term early supports, whether or not your child is eligible for the NDIS. If your child is likely to need longer term support, they can help you apply.
What happens when your child turns 6
Children who join the NDIS because of developmental delay join under the early intervention requirements. Because not every child with developmental delay goes on to have a permanent impairment, the NDIA reassesses their eligibility after they turn 6.
To stay in the NDIS after 6, there needs to be evidence of an impairment that is, or is likely to be, permanent, and the child must meet the disability requirements, the early intervention requirements, or both. The NDIA talks to families before the child turns 6 about what information it needs, and generally asks for it within 90 days. The NDIA says children who joined under the early intervention requirements for developmental delay are usually no longer eligible after they turn 6 on that basis, so up to date reports matter.
Thriving Kids and the changes from 2028
Thriving Kids is a new system of support outside the NDIS for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism who have low to moderate support needs, and their families. It started rolling out from 1 October 2026 and is due to be fully operational nationally by 1 January 2028.
- Until 1 January 2028, children can still apply for the NDIS under the current access rules
- Children already in the NDIS keep using their plans
- From 1 January 2028, children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs who apply are supported by Thriving Kids instead of the NDIS
- Children who joined before 1 January 2028 are reassessed under the rules in place before that date, and under the new functional capacity criteria once they turn 9
- Children with high support needs, or permanent and significant disability, remain eligible for the NDIS
Getting the most from early support
- Act early. You can contact an early childhood partner as soon as you have concerns
- Keep therapy and progress reports in one place. They help at any reassessment
- Ask your therapists to work in everyday places like home, childcare and kinder, where children learn most
- Ask what Thriving Kids supports are available near you as they roll out
- Write down how your child manages day to day, including the help they need that other children their age do not