Introduction
Families across Australia have spent the past year hearing about major changes to how autism support is funded and accessed, and many parents are now unsure what any of it means for their own child. From 1 October 2026, a new national program called Thriving Kids begins rolling out alongside the NDIS, and it changes the pathway for many children with developmental concerns. Before any of these changes affect your family, the starting point remains the same as it has always been: a thorough Autism Assessment in Perth at WA Paeds. This blog explains what Thriving Kids actually is, who it affects, and why getting a proper clinical assessment still matters more than ever.
What Is the Thriving Kids Program?
Thriving Kids is a new foundational support system, jointly funded by the Australian Government and state and territory governments, designed to sit alongside the NDIS rather than replace it. It is specifically aimed at children aged eight and under who are experiencing developmental delay and, or autism, with low to moderate support needs. Rollout begins in October 2026, with full implementation expected by early 2028. The program reflects a broader shift in Australian disability policy toward earlier, more preventative support for younger children, delivered through the states rather than exclusively through NDIS packages.
Does This Change Who Needs an Assessment?
Not at all — if anything, it makes an accurate assessment more important. Children with permanent and significant disability, including autism with high support needs, remain eligible for full NDIS support exactly as before. The children affected by the shift are those with lower support needs, who may now be directed toward state-based Thriving Kids supports instead of an individual NDIS package. The only way to know which category applies to your child, and therefore which pathway is right for your family, is through a comprehensive clinical assessment. Guesswork about which system your child will end up in is no longer good enough when the systems themselves are changing.
Why an Accurate Diagnosis Still Anchors Everything
Every pathway available to your child after a concern is raised — NDIS, Thriving Kids, school-based support, or a referral to allied health — starts from the same document: a clear, evidence-based diagnostic report. An Autism Assessment in Perth at WA Paeds combines the ADOS-2, the internationally recognised gold-standard observational tool, with a detailed developmental history and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers across different environments. This is what gives your child’s profile the clinical weight needed to support whichever funding or support pathway ends up being the right fit, regardless of which system that turns out to be.
Cost and Timeframes Parents Should Expect
Cost and waiting times are two of the most common questions WA Paeds hears from families beginning this process. A full autism assessment typically involves several appointments spread across a number of weeks, allowing time for questionnaires to be completed properly, structured observation to take place without rushing your child, and a thorough feedback session once all the information has been reviewed. Costs vary depending on the specific components required for your child’s presentation. WA Paeds will walk you through the expected timeframe and costs clearly at the outset, so you can plan around the process with confidence rather than uncertainty.
What to Do If You Already Have Concerns
If you are noticing signs in your child — differences in eye contact, communication, play, or flexibility around routine — the practical advice has not changed with any of these policy shifts. Book an assessment as early as you reasonably can. Early identification continues to open the door to earlier support, regardless of which specific program eventually funds that support. Waiting to see how the new system settles before seeking assessment only delays the one step that actually helps your child: an accurate, individual understanding of their needs.
Related blog – Autism Diagnosis for Children in Perth: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
How WA Paeds Is Helping Families Navigate the Change
WA Paeds is following the rollout of Thriving Kids closely so that families are not left to interpret policy changes on their own. Alongside your child’s assessment and report, our paediatricians can talk you through which pathway is likely to apply based on your child’s specific needs, and what documentation you are likely to require as the new system comes into effect. This guidance is offered as part of the ordinary assessment process, not as a separate service, because families should not have to become policy experts on top of everything else, they are managing.
Conclusion
Whatever changes take place around NDIS and Thriving Kids over the coming months, the foundation for your child’s support remains the same: a thorough, accurate Autism Assessment in Perth. WA Paeds continues to provide the comprehensive, evidence-based assessments that give your family clarity, whichever pathway your child is ultimately best suited to. Contact WA Paeds today to book an autism assessment and make sure your child’s needs are properly understood before decisions are made about their support.
