Thriving Kids: What Parents Need to Know and How to Get Support Now

Key Points:

• Children under 9 can access much-needed support through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach.
• The federal government has proposed, Thriving Kids, which is planned to start July 2026.
• Thriving Kids will support children under 9 with developmental delays and autism using everyday community settings.
• For now, parents who need support should consider applying for NDIS early childhood services under the current rules.
• AIIM Choices can assist families with the NDIS application process.

Summary:

AIIM Choices offers NDIS application assistance and NDIS plan management, helping families secure the right support before the Thriving Kids program rollout next year. The Thriving Kids initiative is planned to provide early developmental support for children under 9 with mild to moderate delays or autism through GPs, schools, and community hubs. With the program launching in July 2026, families who need support now are encouraged to apply for the NDIS to access early intervention and services immediately.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. What is the Thriving Kids?
3. When Will the Thriving Kids Initiative Begin?
4. What is the Current Support Process for Children?
5. How AIIM Choices Can Support Your Family
6. Ready to Get Started?

As a parent, you want the best for your child. When your little one faces developmental delays or autism, finding the right support can feel challenging. Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. That’s why accessing timely, appropriate support is so important. 

The good news is that help is available. You can apply to the NDIS right now to access funding for the supports you need.

What is the Thriving Kids?

You may have heard people talking about the recent government announcement called Thriving Kids. So what is this initiative all about?

Thriving Kids is a future initiative designed to support children under 9 with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism. Announced by Disability and NDIS Minister Mark Butler on 20 August 2025, this program will provide support through everyday settings, such as:

• Local GPs
• Schools
• Community hubs

The goal of this initiative is to give families early support in familiar environments. Instead of waiting for more specialised services, families will be able to access helpful programs close to home. 

Thriving Kids will sit outside the NDIS. This means the NDIS can continue focusing on people with significant and permanent disability, while Thriving Kids helps those with early developmental needs.

When Will the Thriving Kids Initiative Begin?

The current plan is that Thriving Kids initiative is expected to launch on July 1, 2026. After that, it will be rolled out in phases over the following 12 months. 

However, typically these programs often have slow roll-outs.

Whilst this initiative will provide eligible children with tailored support, families will need to wait until next year to access it. If your child needs support now, waiting several months might not be the best option. Feel free to call AIIM Choices today, 1800 878 978.

For parents whose children need immediate assistance, applying for an NDIS plan today is the most practical step. This ensures your child can access the support they need right away, without delay.

What is the Current Support Process for Children?

Right now, if your child under 9 needs support, you can apply through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach. This pathway has been designed to help families access early intervention services quickly.

Here’s how it works:

• Apply through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach
• Receive support from an Early Childhood Partner
• Get help connecting to therapies, community programs, and early intervention services

This approach recognises that early intervention makes a real difference. The sooner your child receives support, the better their outcomes can be. For children under 6, a formal diagnosis is not required to access support.

How AIIM Choices Can Support Your Family

At AIIM Choices, we understand that parents want the best for their children. Our role is to make this journey easier and support you every step of the way.

Until the Thriving Kids begins, we can help you access support now through the NDIS. This includes:

• Navigating the NDIS application assistance process
• Helping you understand the process and what documents you may need
• Gathering supporting reports or letters from health professionals
• Communicating with Early Childhood Partners or your GP
• Guiding you through services available today

Our team at AIIM Choices specialises in NDIS plan management and understands the unique needs of families with young children. 

We know how important it is to act quickly when your child needs support, and we’re here to make that process as smooth as possible.

Ready to Get Started?

You don’t have to wait until 2026 to get help for your child. With the right NDIS application assistance and plan management, you can access support today.

Reach out to AIIM Choices to learn more about how we can support your family. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help your child access the services they need to grow.