Canberra launches support program for children with developmental delays — ABC News Australia
In Canberra, Australia, the first phase of the Thriving Kids program rollout for children under the age of nine with developmental delays will begin on October 1. The Australian Capital Territory government said that children already receiving support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will not currently be excluded from that system.
As ABC News Australia reports, Thriving Kids is a federal initiative intended to improve access to support for children with developmental delays. Full implementation of the program is expected by January 2028. All Australian states and territories except Queensland have joined the initiative.
Support without a diagnosis
During the first phase, parents or guardians will be able to call a dedicated line with questions about a child's development, regardless of whether the child has an established diagnosis. According to Suzanne Orr, the Australian Capital Territory's minister for disability, autism and neurodiversity, families will also be able to seek support from allied health professionals.
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The Thriving Kids model provides that developmental delays or a need for assistance may be identified by family members, school staff or medical professionals. The family is then expected to be referred to relevant services. Some children will be classified as having low, moderate, or low-to-moderate levels of need.
Connection with the NDIS
Children with significant permanent disabilities will continue to be eligible for support through the NDIS. Those who joined the scheme before 2028 will remain in it, subject to regular reassessment.
Suzanne Orr stressed that Thriving Kids is not intended to move people out of the NDIS, but to provide support for unmet needs in the community. At the same time, Autism Awareness Australia executive director Nicole Rogerson expressed concern that the option to seek help without a diagnosis could overload the service and increase waiting times for diagnosis and assistance.
