Will My Child Lose NDIS Funding Under Thriving Kids?
The NSW Government’s new Thriving Kids program has raised many questions for families currently accessing early intervention and NDIS supports for their child.
One of the most common questions parents are asking is:
“Will my child lose NDIS funding?”
At this stage, the answer is:
every child’s situation will be different.
However, it is expected that some children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs may access support through the new Thriving Kids model instead of ongoing NDIS funding.
The most important thing for families to know is:
children will still be able to access support services, therapy and early intervention.
What is Thriving Kids?
Thriving Kids is a new NSW early childhood support program expected to begin rolling out from October 2026.
The program is designed to support:
children aged 8 and under
children with developmental delay
children with autism
families requiring low to moderate levels of support
The NSW Government has advised that Thriving Kids may include:
Parent coaching and education
Supported playgroups
Play-based early intervention
Information and referral services for families
The program is part of broader national changes to foundational supports and early childhood intervention services.
Does This Mean the NDIS is Ending?
No.
The NDIS is not ending.
However, governments across Australia are introducing new “foundational supports” programs designed to provide earlier and more accessible supports for some children and families outside of the traditional NDIS model.
Some children may:
remain on the NDIS
transition between systems
access a combination of supports over time
The exact pathways and eligibility criteria are still evolving.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
The goal of programs like Thriving Kids is to:
improve access to early supports
reduce wait times
help families access services earlier
provide more community-based intervention
increase parent education and coaching
support children before difficulties become more complex
The model appears to focus strongly on:
family-centred care
short-term targeted intervention
allied health supports
play-based therapy
group and community supports
telehealth accessibility
What Supports Will Still Be Available?
Regardless of funding changes, children may still be able to access:
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Early intervention services
Parent coaching
Telehealth services
Group programs
Assessments and reports
School readiness supports
Private therapy services
Many families may continue to choose private therapy for:
continuity of care
flexibility
therapist choice
ongoing support
specialised services
What Should Families Do Right Now?
At this stage, families do not need to panic.
The best steps are usually to:
continue current therapy supports
stay informed as updates are released
focus on your child’s developmental goals
speak with your providers if concerns arise
explore all available support pathways
The rollout of Thriving Kids is still developing, and details may continue to evolve throughout 2026 and beyond.
How Grow & Tell Supports Families
At Grow & Tell, we understand these changes may feel confusing or uncertain for families.
Our team provides:
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Early childhood intervention
Parent coaching
Telehealth services
Play-based supports
School readiness support
We support children and families across:
Rhodes
St Leonards & Crows Nest
Sydney
Nationally via telehealth
As the Thriving Kids rollout continues, we are closely following updates and helping families continue accessing high-quality, family-centred support for their child.
Learn More About Thriving Kids NSW
Learn more about Thriving Kids NSW:
Thriving Kids NSW: What Families Need to Know
Need Support for Your Child?
Grow & Tell provides Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and early childhood intervention services for children and families across Sydney and nationally via telehealth.
If you would like support for your child or would like to discuss therapy options, our team is here to help.
