Thriving Kids: Australia’s New NDIS Initiative for Children

On 20 August 2025, Minister Mark Butler announced Thriving Kids, a major shift in how children with as Minister Butler called it, “mild to moderate autism” or developmental delays will receive support. The program is designed to reduce pressure on the NDIS and provide earlier, more accessible interventions. Thriving Kids will begin rolling out in July 2026 and become fully operational by July 2027.

So, what does this mean for the therapy and supports your child receives now? At Super Kids Behavioural Consulting, we know parents need answers, especially when it comes to evidence-based care like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Here’s what’s changing and how we’ll continue to support your family.

Why Was the Thriving Kids Program Introduced?

Over the past decade, the NDIS has grown beyond expectations. In 2024, nearly 70% of new participants were children diagnosed with autism. One in ten six-year-olds were on the scheme. While more families received support, many faced long waitlists, confusing systems, and limited guidance.

Thriving Kids was created to address those issues. The program aims to deliver early support through everyday settings, like schools, GPs, early learning centres, and local providers. This shift allows the NDIS to focus on children with permanent and significant disabilities, while Thriving Kids offers foundational support for children with lower-level needs.

What Is the Thriving Kids Model?

Thriving Kids is a foundational supports model. The federal government has committed $2 billion in funding, with additional support from states and territories. Unlike the NDIS, this model won’t offer individual funding packages for every child. Instead, it will connect families to community-based services through trusted systems.

Services will include:

• Early intervention in preschools and primary schools

• Developmental guidance through GPs and health clinics

• Partnerships with local therapists and behavioural support providers

The goal is to act early, before challenges become complex, and help children succeed in their everyday environments.

Will My Child Stay on the NDIS?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. The government has confirmed that children already receiving NDIS funding will remain on the scheme. This is reassuring news for families currently supported by individualised plans.

However, future children seeking support may not have the same access. Instead, they’ll be directed to the Thriving Kids model. This change means some families will need to follow a different path to access services and funding.

What About ABA Therapy Under Thriving Kids?

ABA therapy has helped thousands of children improve communication, social, and self-regulation skills. It is one of the most researched and proven approaches to supporting children with autism.

At Super Kids, we provide personalised ABA programs in homes, schools, and community settings. That won’t change. We’re committed to continuing this work under both the NDIS and Thriving Kids. Our team will adapt as needed to ensure your child receives meaningful, evidence-based support, regardless of the funding source.

How Super Kids Will Support Your Family Through the Transition

We understand that change brings uncertainty. That’s why we’re here to walk alongside you. Whether your child remains on the NDIS or transitions to Thriving Kids, we’ll help you every step of the way.

Here’s how we support you:

• Transition planning – We assess your child’s eligibility and help you understand next steps

• Advocacy – We work with professionals and policymakers to keep ABA therapy accessible

• Flexible service delivery – We adjust our programs to fit both NDIS and Thriving Kids frameworks

• Parent coaching – We equip you with tools and confidence to support your child daily

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Support

Thriving Kids brings big changes. The model aims to make early intervention more fair, timely, and sustainable, but it’s still evolving and still relatively unclear. Families and providers will need time to adjust, ask questions, and give feedback.

At Super Kids, our mission stays the same. We help children with autism and developmental delays reach their full potential through individualised ABA therapy and compassionate, family-focused care.

Want to Learn More About Thriving Kids?

We’re here to help your child thrive—no matter which funding pathway you’re on. Get in touch today to learn how we can support your family through this transition.