Thriving Kids: Australia’s New NDIS Initiative for Children

On 20 August 2025, Minister Mark Butler announced Thriving Kids, a major reform to how children with what he described as “mild to moderate autism” or developmental delays will access support. Now, with new details released in February 2026, we have a clearer picture of what’s ahead.

The Thriving Kids model represents a shift away from the NDIS as the sole system of support and toward a broader, community-driven framework called Foundational Supports. Backed by $4 billion over 5 years, the program will begin rolling out in October 2026, with full implementation expected by January 2028.

So, what does this mean for the therapy and supports your child receives now? At Super Kids Behavioural Consulting, we know families need clarity, 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 every step of the way.

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 with autism, and 1 in 10 six-year-olds were enrolled in the scheme. While more families received help, many also faced waitlists, inconsistent quality of care, and confusion navigating the system.

Thriving Kids is the first stage in reforming this approach. It focuses on early intervention for children aged 0–8 with low to moderate support needs, delivered in everyday environments like preschools, GP clinics, and local therapy services.

This model lets the NDIS refocus on children with permanent and significant disabilities, while Thriving Kids provides timely, accessible support for children with emerging or less complex needs.

What Is the Thriving Kids Model?

At its core, Thriving Kids is a foundational supports model. It won’t offer individual funding packages like the NDIS. Instead, families will access services through public systems and community settings, with the goal of making supports easier to navigate and more equitable across Australia.

Key services include:

• Early developmental guidance through GPs and health clinics

• Targeted allied health supports (e.g., speech, OT, psychology)

• Parent coaching and peer support programs

• Online resources, supported playgroups, and family-focused training

• Navigation help to access the right services at the right time

Importantly, these services will be informed by evidence, neuro-affirming, and tailored to diverse communities—including First Nations, CALD, LGBTQIA+SB, and rural families.

Will My Child Stay on the NDIS?

One of the most common concerns we hear from families is: Will we lose NDIS support?

Here’s what we know:

• Children already on the NDIS before Jan 1, 2028 will remain on the scheme under current eligibility rules.

• Children seeking access after that date with low to moderate needs will be directed to Thriving Kids instead.

Children with permanent and significant disabilities will still be eligible for the NDIS.

So if your child is already receiving NDIS-funded ABA therapy, that support won’t be taken away—but if you’re planning to apply in the future, the access pathway may be different.

What About ABA Therapy Under Thriving Kids?

ABA remains one of the most evidence-based interventions for children with autism, supporting skill development in communication, play, regulation, and daily living. At Super Kids, it’s the core of what we do.

The Thriving Kids model includes targeted supports like developmental therapies delivered by trained professionals, which can include behavioural supports alongside speech and occupational therapy.

While specific funding mechanisms haven’t been finalised yet, we’re working closely with government and professional bodies to ensure ABA remains accessible, affordable, and adaptable under both the NDIS and Thriving Kids frameworks.

How Super Kids Will Support Your Family Through the Transition

We know this shift may feel uncertain, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’ll continue to walk beside you, no matter what funding model your child is under.

Here’s how we support you:

• Transition planning – Understand eligibility and next steps

• Advocacy – Work to keep ABA therapy recognised and funded

• Flexible delivery – Tailor programs to both NDIS and Thriving Kids systems

• Parent coaching – Equip you to feel confident in daily life

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Support

Thriving Kids is still taking shape, but it signals a new direction for how Australia supports children with developmental needs. It’s a model that aims to catch challenges early, reduce pressure on families, and build stronger, more responsive systems.

At Super Kids, our mission stays the same: to help every child thrive through evidence-based, individualised ABA therapy and heart-led support.

Want to Learn More About Thriving Kids?

We’re here to help your child grow with confidence, no matter which path your family takes.

Reach out today to learn how we can support you through the transition.

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.