Overview of the Changes
Millions of Australian parents are now seeking clarity after Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced a significant shift in NDIS eligibility for young children with autism.
By July 2027, children with mild to moderate autism or developmental delays will no longer automatically qualify for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Instead, they will be transitioned to a new program called Thriving Kids.
While the changes are still being finalised, Butler emphasised that this will not be an immediate removal from the NDIS. Children currently in the scheme will remain supported during the transition period.
“We’re not going to leave them high and dry… everyone who is on the NDIS now remains on it, but over the next couple of years we will introduce a new scheme for Thriving Kids” .
Defining Mild to Moderate Autism: The Unanswered Question
The government’s definition of “mild to moderate” autism remains unclear.
In a 2021 NDIS consultation report, autism spectrum conditions for children under seven were graded from Level 1 to Level 4 — with Levels 1 and 2 generally falling under “mild to moderate.”
Butler stated that distinguishing between mild, moderate, and severe autism will be a clinical decision, with each case assessed individually.
Concerns from Advocates and Experts
The announcement has sparked concern from disability advocates, health professionals, and political figures.
Greens Senator Jordan Steele-John criticised the move, stating:
“Autism is lifelong. There is no growing out of it… this risks stripping people of the supports they need to thrive.”
Tanya Forster, founder of Macquarie Health Collective, warned:
“This could see more children fall through the cracks… these children need access to the services provided under the NDIS.”
Forster also called on the government to focus on reducing fraud within the system rather than removing vulnerable children to cut costs.
The Role of the NDIS in Supporting Children with Autism
Currently, the NDIS provides significant funding for children diagnosed with autism:
Children under 7 receive around $16,700 annually on average. NDIS Article. Since then the ECEI Program has since been pushed to include children up to 9 years of age.
The average NDIS participant with autism receives $32,800 annually.
Funding is tailored to each child’s needs and progress goals, covering therapies, assistive technologies, and other supports.
You can learn more about current NDIS autism supports on the official NDIS website.
What is the Thriving Kids Program?
The Thriving Kids initiative is designed to deliver tailored supports for children with mild to moderate developmental delays and autism.
Key points:
Launch Date: July 2027 (fully operational before transition begins).
Initial Funding: $2 billion.
Goal: Provide families with timely access to the right supports, outside of the NDIS framework.
While the exact services have yet to be confirmed, the program is expected to focus on early intervention, skill development, and family support.
Impact on Rural and Regional Communities
Shadow Health and Aged Care Minister Anne Ruston has raised concerns about access for families in regional and rural areas, where NDIS services are already harder to obtain.
This may mean that the success of Thriving Kids will depend heavily on how equitably services are rolled out.
What Should Parents Do Now?
While the government works on the full details, parents are advised to:
Stay Informed: Follow updates from NDIS News and disability advocacy groups.
Document Needs: Keep clear records of your child’s developmental progress and support needs.
Advocate Early: If your child’s needs are significant, ensure your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator understands the long-term importance of these supports.
Explore Alternative Supports: Look into community and allied health services that may align with Thriving Kids’ goals.
Final Thoughts
The move from the NDIS to Thriving Kids could reshape autism support for thousands of Australian families. While the government promises no child will be left without help, the lack of clarity around eligibility and the potential for service gaps remain major concerns.
At Complete Money Management, we help families navigate NDIS changes and funding options so they can maximise available resources and secure long-term support for their children.
By Complete Money Management
Your partner in navigating the NDIS with confidence.
www.completemoney.com.