Thriving Kids is for families and their children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism.
Thriving Kids can help your family:
- learn about childhood development
- identify if your child might need extra support
- access trusted resources and information
- find supports that match your child’s development needs.
Thriving Kids aims to be an easy place to start when families are unsure what might be going on for their child.
You don’t need a diagnosis to access supports.
Some Thriving Kids supports are available now. More supports will become available over time. They will all be rolled out across Australia by January 2028.
There will be no changes to how people access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) until 1 January 2028.
Connect with supports
Some Thriving Kids supports are available now. More supports will become available over time. They will all be rolled out across Australia by January 2028.
Information and Resources Hub
Evidence-based advice and resources for families and professionals on child development and neurodevelopmental difference.
Contact the Autism Helpline
Trusted information for families on neurodevelopmental differences and autism.
You don’t need to have a diagnosis to reach out.
Speak to an expert about your child's development
Expert information and general advice on child development and behaviour for children aged 8 and under.
Learn more about Thriving Kids supports that will be delivered
Child development
Support provided early in a child’s life can make a positive impact on their development. Understanding how children develop, can help you identify earlier if your child may need some extra help and get them access to the support they need.
Developmental delay
Every child develops in their own way. When young children take more time to develop physical, emotional, social, communication or thinking skills, this is called developmental delay.
Developmental delay can show up in the way children move, communicate, think, learn, or behave with others. It can be short-term or long-term.
Early support can help children build their strengths, take part in social and school activities, and grow the skills they need for everyday life, giving them the best start in life.
Sometimes children who get early support need less or no support as they get older.
Autism
Autism shapes how a person experiences the world. Autistic children might show differences in how they talk and interact, understand language and body language, cope with changes or interruptions and process information. Families may notice differences in how their child plays and interacts with other children.
Every Autistic child is unique and has their own strengths and areas where they may need support. Some children may show clear signs of autism from a young age, while for others the signs are not as obvious and might become clearer as they grow older.
With support, Autistic children can build on their strengths, learn new skills and participate in ways that are meaningful to them and their families.
Thriving Kids supports
Every child’s developmental needs are different. You may have spoken to your child’s teacher or educator, maternal and child health nurse, GP, friends or family about your child’s development.
Thriving Kids can help if you:
- have noticed your child takes longer than expected to reach development milestones
- have questions about their development
- are looking for support with your child’s communication, learning, behaviour, movement or social skills
- as a parent, need some advice on how you can best support your child.
We want to give families the skills and support to help you navigate challenges in your child's life.