What early connections are
Early connections are part of the NDIS early childhood approach. When you contact an early childhood partner about your child, they talk with you about your child's development and your family's needs, then connect you with the help that fits best.
The point is to get help started early, without waiting for a diagnosis or an NDIS access decision. Many children do well with the right information, community support and a short burst of early intervention.
What you can be connected with
- Community and mainstream supports, such as playgroups, child and family health services, early learning and local programs
- Practical information relevant to your child's development
- Other families with similar experiences
- Early supports, if your child is younger than 6 and has developmental concerns
- Help to apply to the NDIS, if your child has developmental delay or an impairment and is likely to meet the eligibility requirements
Who can get early connections
Early connections are for children younger than 9 and their families, through an early childhood partner in your area. You can contact a partner yourself, or a GP, child health nurse or educator can refer you.
Early supports, the more hands on option, are only for children younger than 6 with developmental concerns.
How early supports work
Early supports are a short period of early childhood intervention, usually 3 to 6 months and up to 12 months where needed. They are goal focused and build the skills of you and your child in natural settings, such as at home, so learning happens in everyday routines.
During early supports there may be evidence your child needs more help and could meet the NDIS criteria for developmental delay. Your partner can help you apply if you want to. If your child becomes a participant, early supports stop and the partner works with you on your child's first plan.
After early connections
Early connections are meant to leave you with more confidence to support your child. Once you move on, you can reconnect with an early childhood partner at any time while your child is younger than 9.
Early connections and Thriving Kids
Thriving Kids supports start rolling out from 1 October 2026 for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. As they become available in your area, your early childhood partner can point you to them. NDIS access rules for children do not change until 1 January 2028.