The recent NDIS changes for children under 8 mean that many young children will first receive early intervention supports and developmental assessments before accessing long-term NDIS funding. The new model, called Thriving Kids, focuses on providing early therapy and community supports before disability funding is approved and will start in October 2026.

If you’re a parent worried about your child’s development, this can feel confusing and even a little frightening. Many families are wondering what the changes mean and whether their child will still be able to access support.

The NDIS program has grown a lot over the last 10 years and the Australian government is updating it. If your child has autism, speech delay, developmental delay, ADHD traits or behavioural challenges, you may notice the pathway to support now looks different than it did a few years ago and we want to explain how.

This guide explains what the NDIS changes mean for children under 8, why they are happening, and how families can still access help.

Key Takeaways • The NDIS changes for children under 8 focus on early developmental support before long-term disability funding • Children may first access developmental assessments and therapy services • Early therapy such as speech therapy, psychology and occupational therapy can significantly support development • Families can still access support, guidance and therapy even without a full NDIS plan

 

What are the recent NDIS changes for children under 8?

The recent NDIS changes mean that many young children will now access early intervention and developmental supports before receiving long-term NDIS funding through a model called Thriving Kids.

Up until now, some children were able to access NDIS plans relatively quickly after developmental concerns were identified. 

Under the updated system, families may first be guided toward:

• developmental assessments
• early childhood therapy supports
• community-based services
• short-term intervention programs

The goal of these reforms (as explained by NDIS) is to ensure that children receive support as early as possible, while also making sure that long-term disability funding is used appropriately for children who need it most.

Families seeking help for concerns such as:

• autism
• speech delay
• developmental delay
• behavioural regulation
• ADHD symptoms

may now begin their journey through early childhood intervention pathways rather than immediate NDIS plans. If you think these changes may affect your family, it can help to speak with a team who understands child development and early intervention. At All About Kids in Brisbane, families reach us through GPs, schools, paediatricians, and their own research.

These changes can be confusing to navigate and our aim is to help parents navigate the system more confidently and access support sooner.

Useful resources:

• National Disability Insurance Agency 
• NDIS Early Childhood Approach

Which children are affected by the NDIS changes for children under 8? 

The NDIS changes mainly affect children aged 0–8 who show developmental concerns.

This may include children with:

• autism spectrum concerns
• speech and language delay
• behavioural regulation challenges
• ADHD symptoms
• motor coordination difficulties
• social communication differences

In the past, many families expected immediate access to NDIS services as soon as their concerns were identified. Under the new ‘Thriving Kids’ approach, children may first be referred for developmental assessments or early therapy support such as community groups, and parenting courses to equip parents with the skills and tools to support their child. 

At All About Kids in Brisbane, we often support families navigating these changes. Many parents come to us unsure where to start, and our team helps clarify what might be happening and what the next steps could be.

Children with significant and permanent disabilities can still access long-term NDIS support where appropriate. The goals of the NDIS changes for children under 8 is help children receive the right type of support at the right time. 

Why is the NDIS changing how support works for young children?

The NDIS reforms are trying to provide earlier developmental support while also keeping the scheme sustainable long term.

Research shows that many young children benefit from early therapy supports such as speech therapy, psychology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, sometimes without needing lifelong disability funding.

The NDIS changes are to:

• support children earlier in development
• reduce long waitlists for therapy services
• avoid unnecessary disability labels
• connect families with broader community supports

These changes are part of a broader NDIS system reform across Australia.

When are the NDIS changes for children under 8 being implemented?

The NDIS changes for children under 8 are being implemented gradually between October 2026 and 2028.

You may notice these changes through:

• updated NDIS application pathways
• referrals to early childhood partners
• greater focus on short-term early intervention programs

Because the reforms are still evolving, families may receive different guidance depending on their location and circumstances. Parents can stay updated through: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news 

What if my child does not qualify for NDIS?

Even if your child does not qualify for a full NDIS plan, many developmental supports are still available.

Children may benefit from:

• psychology for kids for behaviour, ADHD or emotional regulation
• speech therapy for communication delays
• occupational therapy for sensory processing or motor development
• physiotherapy or exercise physiology for movement development

Some families may feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them after losing their place in the NDIS system. If this is you, please remember that how you help your child is still up to you. You can still choose to see a specialist to support your child with their developmental delays. 

If you’re unsure about the type of support you need, many families begin by speaking with their GP, paediatrician or a child psychologist, or by booking a child developmental assessment at a multidisciplinary child development clinic. Some of the most common types we see at All About Kids in Brisbane are related to:

• ADHD
• autism
• speech delay
• learning differences
• emotional regulation
• motor development difficulties
• coordination challenges
• movement concerns

Addressing concerns early gives parents the confidence to support their child. There are many support pathways there, it’s about finding a pathway that works for you and your child. 

How do the NDIS changes affect families seeking therapy support in Brisbane?

The NDIS changes for children under 8 also affect families seeking developmental therapy services in Brisbane and across Queensland.

Many Brisbane parents who previously expected immediate NDIS funding are now exploring developmental assessments, speech therapy, occupational therapy or psychology services while navigating updated NDIS pathways.

Families often begin by speaking with:

• their GP
• a paediatrician
• a child psychologist
• a multidisciplinary child development clinic

A developmental assessment can help determine whether concerns relate to autism, ADHD, speech delay or learning differences, and whether NDIS support or alternative therapy pathways may be appropriate.

What should parents do if they are worried about their child’s development?

The NDIS changes for children under 8 are shifting the system toward earlier developmental support.

While these reforms may feel confusing, many families find that early assessments and therapy give them clarity and a plan for their child.

If you’re worried about your child’s speech, behaviour, learning or emotional development, speaking with a professional can help you understand what’s happening and what support may help.

One thing we often remind families is this: the system may be changing, but your child has not changed.

Whether support comes through the NDIS or through community therapy services, what matters most is understanding your child and giving them the right help early.

Related Questions Parents Ask About NDIS Changes

What are the recent NDIS changes for children under 8?

Young children may now access early intervention support before receiving long-term NDIS funding.

Can children still receive NDIS funding for autism?

Yes. Children with significant developmental disabilities such as autism can still qualify for NDIS support.

What happens if my child does not qualify for NDIS?

Families can still access psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy and developmental assessments privately or through community services.

 

- All About Kids