Thriving Kids: what changes for children 8 and under with autism or developmental delay
By the Supportd team · Checked against official sources on 14 October 2026
The short answer
From 1 October 2026 Thriving Kids supports start rolling out outside the NDIS for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. Nothing changes about NDIS access for children until 1 January 2028, and children already in the NDIS keep their plans.
What Thriving Kids is
Thriving Kids is a new system of support outside the NDIS for young children with developmental delay or autism who have low to moderate support needs, and their families. Most services will be delivered through community and government services, in the places children live, learn and play. It is being designed with the states and territories.
Timeline
- 1 October 2026: phased rollout of Thriving Kids supports begins, with some general supports first and more targeted supports added over time
- Until 1 January 2028: children can still apply for the NDIS under the current access rules, and children already in the NDIS keep using their plans
- 1 January 2028: Thriving Kids is fully operational nationally, and children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs who apply from then are supported by Thriving Kids instead of the NDIS
Who stays in the NDIS
- Children with permanent and significant disability
- Children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism who have substantially reduced functional capacity (high support needs)
- Children who joined the NDIS before 1 January 2028 are reassessed under the rules in place before that date. Once they turn 9 they are reassessed under the new functional capacity criteria
What to do now
- If your child is already in the NDIS, keep using the plan. Nothing changes for them now.
- If you are thinking about applying, you can still apply under the current rules until 1 January 2028.
- Ask your early childhood partner, GP or child health nurse what Thriving Kids supports are available in your area as they roll out.
- Keep therapy reports up to date. They help at any future reassessment.
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Common questions
Is my child being removed from the NDIS?
Not now. Children already in the NDIS continue to use their plans. Children who joined before 1 January 2028 are reassessed under the rules in place before that date, and under the new criteria once they turn 9.
Can my child still apply for the NDIS?
Yes. There is no change to how children access the NDIS until 1 January 2028.
Which children will use Thriving Kids instead?
From 1 January 2028, new applicants aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. Children with high support needs or permanent and significant disability remain eligible for the NDIS.
Related on Supportd
Sources
- Thriving Kids (NDIA)
- About the changes to the NDIS (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
- Securing the NDIS for future generations timeline (September 2026)
General information only, checked on 14 October 2026. Dates and details can change as rules are finalised. For decisions about your own plan, contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or talk to your support coordinator.