05 October 2026
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Thriving Kids, a new national approach to early intervention for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs, is beginning to roll out from October 2026.
The approach will build on existing community supports for children and families and work alongside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Supports will progressively expand, with the full rollout planned by 1 January 2028.
What support will be available?
Thriving Kids will provide children and families with access to a range of supports, including:
- Information and advice about child development, developmental delay and autism.
- Help to identify additional developmental needs early.
- Programs providing families with practical tools, advice and connections.
- Targeted supports, including allied health, for children and families identified as requiring additional support.
Children will not need a diagnosis to access Thriving Kids support. Services will progressively become available and will vary according to jurisdiction and location.
What does this mean for general practice?
Health professionals will play an important role in helping families identify developmental concerns and connecting children and families with appropriate information and supports.
From 1 November 2026, a new Medicare Benefits Schedule health assessment service, the Medicare Healthy Kids Check, is expected to support GPs to assess the health, wellbeing and development of children aged three and connect them with appropriate supports or further assessment where required. Its introduction is subject to the passage of legislation.
There are no changes to NDIS access pathways until 1 January 2028. For now, children aged 8 and under can continue to apply for the NDIS in the same way.
Find out more
The new Thriving Kids factsheet provides information for professionals working with children and families, including available supports, access pathways and answers to common questions about the rollout.
For questions, contact the Thriving Kids Taskforce Thriving.Kids@health.gov.au.
