On August 20, 2025, the Federal Government announced sweeping changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), introducing a new program called Thriving Kids. This initiative will divert children with mild to moderate autism or developmental delays away from the NDIS by mid-2027, raising serious concerns for families and advocacy organisations like Lion and Mouse Australia.
What Is “Thriving Kids”?
Thriving Kids is a $2 billion foundational support program, co-funded by states and territories, designed to provide early and accessible help through mainstream services such as GPs, schools, childcare, and community organisations. It is part of a broader effort to return the NDIS to its original purpose: supporting people with significant and permanent disabilities.
However, Lion and Mouse Australia believes this shift raises more questions than answers.
Key Concerns from Lion and Mouse Australia
- What Is “Mild to Moderate Autism”?
The government has not clearly defined what constitutes mild to moderate autism. Autism is a spectrum, and functional needs vary widely—even among children with so-called “mild” presentations. A child with Level 1 autism may still require intensive support to manage anxiety, sensory challenges, and social difficulties. Without a transparent and clinically sound definition, families are left uncertain about their child’s future eligibility - How Will Children Transition Back to the NDIS If Needed?
The government says children can return to the NDIS if their needs escalate, but no clear pathway has been outlined. What evidence will be required? How long will reassessments take? Will families face delays or denials while their child struggles without adequate support? - How Will Families Access In-Home Supports?
Thriving Kids is expected to deliver services through community settings, but in-home supports—critical for many families—are not guaranteed. There is no clarity on whether therapies like occupational therapy, speech pathology, or behavioural support will be available in the home, nor how families will access them if they live in rural or under-resourced areas - “May Include” Is Not Good Enough
The announcement states that Thriving Kids may include bulk-billed developmental check-ups and Medicare-funded therapies. Lion and Mouse Australia stresses that “may” is not a commitment. Families need certainty, not vague possibilities. Without guaranteed funding and access, children risk falling through the cracks - NDIS Funds Are Not “Pocketed”
There’s a misconception that families are misusing NDIS funds. In reality, these funds are used to access essential allied health services, including speech therapy, psychology, occupational therapy, and support workers. These services are not luxuries—they are lifelines. Recent changes have already restricted how families can use their budgets, with allied health therapy now only claimable under Capacity Building, not Core funding. Will Thriving Kids offer equivalent support? That remains unclear. - How Will Children “Thrive”?
The name Thriving Kids implies positive outcomes, but thriving requires consistent, tailored, and intensive support. Without guaranteed access to therapies, in-home services, and coordinated care, many children will not thrive—they will struggle. Lion and Mouse Australia urges the government to define what “thriving” actually means and how it will be measured.
Call to Action
Lion and Mouse Australia calls on the Federal Government to:
- Define “mild to moderate autism” with clinical clarity.
- Establish a transparent pathway for children to re-enter the NDIS if needed.
- Guarantee access to in-home and allied health supports under Thriving Kids.
- Replace vague language like “may include” with firm commitments.
- Recognise the value of existing NDIS supports and avoid cutting back essential services.
Final Thoughts
This reform is not just a policy shift—it’s a turning point for thousands of families. Lion and Mouse Australia will continue to advocate for a system that is inclusive, evidence-based, and responsive to the real needs of neurodivergent children.