THRIVING KIDS WHAT IT MEANS FOR FAMILIES WITH ASD KIDS— AND WHAT WE’RE DOING NOW
- Terence Walsh
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The Australian Government has confirmed that the Thriving Kids Program will begin its national pilot in July 2026, followed by a full rollout in 2027.
This reform will reshape how early supports are provided to children with developmental differences, delay, or disability — including those on the autism spectrum (ASD) — particularly for children aged under 8.
The program will shift many children with Level 1 and Level 2 autism from the NDIS to a new category of foundational supports.
These will be delivered through community-based health, education and wellbeing programs rather than only through funded therapy packages.
Understanding What’s Changing
If your child is under seven years old today, these changes will likely affect your family directly.
Children with significant and permanent disabilities will remain supported by the NDIS, but those with mild-to-moderate needs will, over time, receive their early-intervention help through Thriving Kids community services.
The intent is positive — to give children help earlier, closer to home, and without lengthy assessment processes.
However, as the pilot begins and systems adjust, some families may experience a period of uncertainty about where their child fits. Until foundational supports are fully established, many Level 1 and 2 ASD families could find themselves in limbo between programs.
WHERE SPECTRUM3 FITS IN
That’s where SPECTRUM3 is stepping up locally.
Based in South Morang, we serve families across Whittlesea and Melbourne’s northern suburbs, already providing the kind of inclusive, community-based programs the Thriving Kids model is built upon.
Our goal is to make sure that while government systems transition, families have a stable place to connect, learn and grow right now.
What We Offer Today
1. Inclusive Exercise Programs – S3 Martial Arts
Adapted martial-arts classes for children on the autism spectrum and across other areas of neurodiversity.
Focus on movement, coordination, confidence and calm — not competition.
Small groups with instructors experienced in supporting sensory and communication differences.
Classes currently available in South Morang, with expansion planned into nearby suburbs.
2. Life-Skills & Confidence Programs – S3 Life Skills
Structured group sessions that teach practical and social life skills.
Encourages teamwork, independence and emotional regulation.
Complements school learning and therapy goals in a non-clinical setting.
3. Parent Connection & Peer Support
Informal parent meet-ups and peer discussion spaces.
A place to share experiences, understand the coming policy changes and gain confidence navigating them.
Encouragement and emotional support — because no parent should feel they’re handling this transition alone.
4. Community Pathways & Early-Support Readiness
Guidance for parents on how Thriving Kids and foundational supports will operate once available.
Practical advice on balancing NDIS plans, school supports and community options.
Alignment with government objectives so families are already “Thriving Kids-ready” when the pilot begins.
5. Partnerships for Inclusive Growth
Collaboration with local schools, health professionals and councils.
Opportunities for joint delivery of inclusive activities aligned with Thriving Kids outcomes.
Open dialogue with policymakers to ensure our community’s lived experience shapes how the program rolls out in Victoria.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FAMILIES IN WHITTLESEA & THE NORTHERN SUBURBS
For families with neurodiverse children, you don’t need to wait until 2026 to find inclusion.
Spectrum 3 INC provides a bridge between where things are today and where the national system is heading.
We’re helping families stay active, connected and informed while government and state services evolve.
Our message is simple: You and your child have a place in this community — right now.
Looking Ahead
The Thriving Kids pilot in 2026 marks the start of a long-term shift in how early intervention works across Australia.
This is not just a test — it’s the first operational stage of a permanent change to early-childhood supports.
SPECTRUM 3 will continue to collaborate with families, partners and policymakers to ensure that children in Whittlesea and Melbourne’s north are among the first to benefit from a system that recognises inclusion, participation and everyday growth as key to thriving.
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