Understanding the Upcoming NDIS Changes (Explainer + FAQ)

What are the changes to the NDIS, and why did they change them?

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Yesterday, (20th  August  2025), the federal government announced huge changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), along with the launch of the new $2 billion “Thriving Kids” program. The new program is designed for children with mild to moderate developmental delays (specifically Autism) and it offers new ways to access early and foundational support that sit outside the NDIS. The aim is to reduce pressure on the NDIS, and ensure that it’s primary focus is on supporting individuals with permanent and significant disability.

The reason that they’ve made these changes is because there are significant concerns about the unsustainable growth of the NDIS, which has mostly been driven by children with less complex needs making use of the scheme. Children with autism and developmental delays make up a huge share of new entries; although they only take up a modest portion of the program’s funding, their numbers are driving growth near 8% annually. The government wants to bring that down to a more sustainable 5–6%.

So what is “Thriving Kids”?

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“Thriving Kids” is a new initiative which has been co‑designed with the states and territories, and is backed by a $2 billion Commonwealth commitment. It is due to rollout by mid‑2027, and the program hopes to:

• Provide foundational supports including early assessments, therapy, and health check‑ins, through mainstream settings like Medicare and schools, rather than through the NDIS
• Ensure children with mild or moderate developmental needs are making use of these supports, while keeping the NDIS focused on individuals who have permanent and significant disabilities
• Integrate early childhood assessments into regular healthcare pathways – such as through Medicare bulk‑billed checks, and making support more accessible to everyone
• Work closely with the states, service providers, and families to ensure smooth implementation

When will it start?

The “Thriving Kids” program will roll out by mid‑2027.

In the meantime, if you have a child on the NDIS, they won’t be suddenly removed. Instead, they’ll undergo periodic reassessments to determine whether they should or could transition to the new foundational supports instead from 2027.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Q: Will my child be removed from the NDIS?
Not immediately. Children with mild to moderate needs will be reassessed over time, and if suitable, they’ll be transitioned to the Thriving Kids program, where they’ll still be able to access support… just through different channels like healthcare or education settings.

Q: What type of supports will the “Thriving Kids” program offer?
Expect early, foundational, and accessible interventions such as bulk‑billed developmental assessments, therapy within schools or health centres, and more coordinated early childhood supports outside of NDIS.

Q: Does this mean that there will be less support for children?
Not necessarily. The idea is to make sure that families aren’t forced to rely on the NDIS just to access the early support they need. But families have naturally expressed concerns that the changes feel rushed and the risk is that there will be gaps… especially if planning with the states isn’t finalised prior to launch.The success will depend on strong interstate cooperation and implementation, given that many allied health services and education systems are facilitated and funded on a state level.

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Real-World Impacts for Families with Children on the NDIS

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1. Greater access to everyday support, but through different channels

In actual fact, families may ultimately find early therapy and developmental support more accessible through their local schools and Medicare rather than having to deal with the NDIS bureaucracy. Hopefully this will also reduce wait times and lower the administrative stress that comes with an NDIS plan… but that is if it is well implemented.

2. Less strain on the NDIS budget, and a more future-focussed system

The idea is that shifting ‘lower-need’ children to foundational supports instead, means that the NDIS resources are saved for those with significant and lasting disabilities. For families, this might mean that the NDIS continues to deliver deeper, more personalised support where it’s most needed.

3. Transition anxiety and uncertainty

For many families already on the NDIS these changes will feel very unsettling. It feels like stepping off into the unknown, and knowing when the transition will come into effect for your family matters. Families will need reassurance on timelines, continuity of services, and how to advocate for relevant support for their kids under the new program.

4. The importance of planning ahead

With “Thriving Kids” launching mid-2027, families can still engage with the NDIS for the moment to get clear assessments, and then prepare for reassessment conversations down the track. The way it’s being co-designed offers hope – but only if everyone’s voice, (especially parents’), is heard.

Wrapping Up

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We all want our kids to thrive, and give them the best possible start in life – and changes to systems like the NDIS can feel super daunting. “Thriving Kids” will hopefully be positive for families and offer early, accessible care that meets children where they are, while safeguarding the NDIS for families and individuals who need it most.

For families who live this every day and rely on the support from these systems, the transition NEEDS to honour that. That means:

• Transparent timelines and firm launch dates (ie. mid-2027)
• Reassurance for parents that services will continue during reassessments
• Genuine consultation with families and states to tailor what works on the ground and not just in theory

So, yes – this is a big step which has the potential to be life-changing if they get it right. Families deserve nothing less.