NDIS and Thriving Kids program

Christian Tran, a five-year-old with developmental delays, benefits from therapy funded by the NDIS, which helps him manage his emotions. His older brother, Nick, diagnosed with level two autism, also receives NDIS support. However, both children are expected to transition to the new Thriving Kids program, which is set to launch soon. Thriving Kids aims to assist children under nine with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism, offering various supports such as online parenting courses and group therapies. Experts express concern that children with moderate conditions may not receive adequate support under this new program, potentially falling through the cracks. David Trembath, an autism researcher, highlights the challenges in identifying children with moderate conditions, whose support needs can fluctuate significantly. He warns that children who lack appropriate early support may develop higher needs as they grow older, increasing reliance on the NDIS in the long term. Claire Gibelini, involved in designing the National Autism Strategy, raises alarms about children who mask their autistic traits, as this may lead to underestimating their support requirements. Families are left anxious about the adequacy of the new program, with many seeking more information.