UPDATE: In a significant shift for families relying on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Federal Disability Minister Mark Butler has just announced that children with autism and developmental delays will transition to a new program called Thriving Kids starting August 21. This urgent change aims to better support the growing number of affected children, as the NDIS has been deemed insufficient for their needs.
Ashlee Law, a mother of three children on the autism spectrum, voiced her cautious support for this new direction. Her family has faced ongoing challenges with the NDIS, particularly as her children, aged 8, 10, and 18, have gone without a review for over five years. “The support is limited, and I have found that staff are overwhelmed and the NDIS is understaffed,” she stated. This is a sentiment echoed by many regional families who struggle with inadequate support services.
According to Butler, the Thriving Kids program will be fully implemented by July 2027, with a focus on creating tailored, flexible support structures that involve autistic voices in the development process. “If they make the program flexible and individualised, it could be a really big improvement,” Law added, highlighting the urgent need for relevant support.
The decision to shift children from the NDIS to Thriving Kids is aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NDIS, which is projected to cost the federal budget an astounding $52 billion in the fiscal year 2025/26. Butler confirmed that this change, while controversial, is necessary to address the specific needs of children with autism and developmental delays.
Critics like Jacqui Borland, CEO of Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT), warn that the existing challenges for rural and regional families—particularly regarding access to intensive therapies—will not vanish with the new program. “We must still work with government to address those challenges in innovative ways,” Borland stated, emphasizing the need for strong partnerships to support community-based initiatives.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed surprise at the announcement, indicating that state leaders were not fully prepared for this significant policy change. However, Butler assured that consultations with various jurisdictions had taken place prior to the announcement.
As the rollout of Thriving Kids approaches, families like Ashlee Law’s are left with a sense of cautious optimism. The hope is that this program will provide them with the necessary support that the current NDIS structure has failed to deliver. With the situation rapidly developing, stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the process to ensure that the voices of those impacted are heard.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds, and share your thoughts on how these changes could impact families in your community.
