UPDATE: Significant changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) were just announced by federal disability minister Mark Butler, impacting thousands of families nationwide. Starting August 21, 2026, children with autism and developmental delays will transition to a new program called Thriving Kids, as the NDIS shifts its focus to ensure sustainability and relevancy for the growing population of affected children.
Ashlee Law, a mother of three from a regional area, voiced her cautious support for the new initiative. All three of her children, aged 8, 10, and 18, are on NDIS plans and have autism. She described the current support system as limited and expressed concerns about overwhelming staff and a lack of resources. “My younger two children haven’t had an NDIS review in over five years,” she explained. “A child under 15 changes so much, and without regular assessments, their plans become irrelevant.”
The NDIS has faced criticism for being “too narrow” in its support offerings, particularly for specific needs like sensory support for autism, which often goes unfunded. Law emphasized that the program is often reduced to “box ticking,” leaving many families in dire need without the proper resources.
Butler’s announcement indicates that the NDIS was not adequately meeting the needs of autistic children and those with developmental delays. The newly established Thriving Kids program aims to provide a more tailored, flexible approach, with full implementation expected by July 2027.
Jacqui Borland, CEO of Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT), echoed Law’s sentiments, acknowledging the increased challenges faced by rural and regional families due to workforce shortages in the NDIS. “If Thriving Kids is co-designed with the Autistic community, including regional representatives, we can potentially increase choice for these families, cut wait times, and reduce the barrier of distance,” she stated.
However, Borland cautioned that transitioning to Thriving Kids will not eliminate the existing challenges of accessing intensive therapy or 1:1 support in regional areas. “We must still work with the government to address those challenges in innovative ways,” she added.
The NDIS is projected to cost the federal budget $52 billion in the 2025/26 fiscal year, prompting the need for reforms. Butler noted that moving children with autism and developmental delays to the new program would ensure the future sustainability of the NDIS scheme.
The announcement has left some state leaders, including Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, feeling blindsided. However, Butler assured that consultations had taken place with relevant jurisdictions prior to the decision.
Families across Australia are now left to navigate this transition, with many hoping the Thriving Kids program will bring a much-needed change to how support is delivered. As the rollout approaches, the community eagerly awaits further details on how this initiative will be implemented and its potential impact on children with autism and their families.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
