Autistic children with mild to moderate developmental delays in Australia will transition from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to a new support system called Thriving Kids, designed to prioritize community-based services. This shift, announced by Disability and NDIS Minister Mark Butler, has sparked both concern and optimism among parents and professionals about whether the new program can match the NDIS’s current support framework.

The announcement has highlighted confusion around terminology, with “mild to moderate autism” being an outdated and clinically inaccurate phrase. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting how individuals interact with the world, while developmental delay refers to a child lagging behind peers in areas like motor skills, communication, or cognition. Many autistic children experience developmental delays, but not all, and approximately 25% of autistic children have profound disabilities requiring constant support. Clarifying these distinctions is critical to tailoring effective support for each child’s unique needs.

Australia’s national guideline for supporting autistic children emphasizes a principles-based approach, centering children and families in decision-making. The goals for autistic children mirror those for all children: fostering love, learning opportunities, and strong connections to family, culture, and community. However, when challenges arise, the focus shifts to identifying additional supports tailored to the child’s specific needs.

Also Read: Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids: How to Prepare Your Family

A stepped-care model is recommended as best practice, delivering personalized support based on a child’s age, developmental level, strengths, and family circumstances. For instance, a routine visit to a maternal child health nurse or GP might identify a developmental delay, prompting varied responses: some families may receive informational resources, others may be connected to community playgroups, and some may be referred for further assessment.

In educational settings, empowering educators to support inclusion is often the most effective strategy, supplemented by targeted interventions from specialists like speech pathologists or physiotherapists when necessary. This approach ensures support is proportionate and prevents over-servicing by avoiding unnecessary escalation to intensive interventions.

The Thriving Kids program presents a transformative opportunity to implement this stepped-care model effectively, offering hope for a system that meets families’ needs with precision. However, its success hinges on deliberate design, sustained funding, and co-design with children and families to address gaps and ensure practical solutions. If poorly executed, the program risks becoming another well-intentioned but ineffective policy.

By prioritizing family input and aligning support with international best practices, Thriving Kids could redefine how Australia supports autistic children with mild to moderate developmental delays, fostering their growth and well-being.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Celebrates Vinayaka Chathurthi With Devotion