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Thriving Kids – What Does This Mean for My Child?

What Does It Mean for a Child to Thrive?

Every parent hopes their child will “thrive,” but this word means far more than just being okay or ticking off health milestones. When we talk about a child thriving, we’re picturing a life where a child is happy, resilient, and able to reach their full potential. It’s about having strength, curiosity, security, friendship, inclusion, and joy.

Minister Mark Butler’s recent National Press Club speech (August 2025) zeroes in on this idea for all Australian kids through the “Thriving Kids” program. If you’re a parent of a child with a developmental delay or autism, you might have started hearing about some big changes—for example, in how early intervention and support is being delivered through NDIS and beyond. Let’s break down what all this really means for your family, and how to make sure your child is set up to thrive—whatever challenges they face.

Shifting Focus: From “Getting By” to “Thriving”

Traditional supports often focused on helping kids “get by”—making improvements in just a few key areas or getting access to a narrow set of therapies. The “Thriving Kids” vision is about so much more than treating difficulties—it’s about kids becoming confident, connected, and capable of enjoying all the things that make childhood so magical.

For children with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism, the goal isn’t just improvement; it’s helping each unique child step fully into who they are, supported by family, school, and community, and having every opportunity to grow, learn and belong.

The Foundations of Thriving

Thriving isn’t just about health or hitting typical milestones. These are the main building blocks:

Feeling safe, valued, and loved. A sense of security at home and in your community is vital. Kids need to know they are loved and cared for, no matter what.
Reliable routines and responsive care. Routines help kids feel safe, and responsive caregiving means parents and carers are tuned in and ready to help with whatever comes up.
Good health and nutrition. Kids thrive best when their sleep, food, and physical health are being looked after.
Opportunities for play and learning. Play isn’t just fun: it’s where so much learning happens—social skills, language, resilience, problem-solving, and emotional growth.
Belonging and positive identity. Kids thrive when they feel included; when there’s room to celebrate their identity, culture, and family.

What’s Changing with NDIS and the “Thriving Kids” Vision?

Minister Butler’s speech marks a major shift in thinking about children’s supports in Australia. Here’s the big picture:

1. Early Intervention Moves Beyond NDIS

In the early days of NDIS, nearly all supports for children with developmental delay, autism, or additional needs were bundled within the NDIS “early childhood” stream. Now, new foundational supports outside of NDIS are being rolled out for children with mild to moderate needs.

What does this mean in practice? It’s about making services like allied health therapy, social groups, family support, and learning programs available in mainstream settings—like preschools, schools, and local communities—not just through NDIS packages. The aim: families have more flexible, local supports; children are less likely to feel “separated” from their peers or locked in to a diagnosis.

2. Foundational Supports: What Are They?

“Foundational” (or mainstream) supports are the everyday things all kids and families should have easy access to—like speech therapy groups run at your local preschool, play-based occupational therapy sessions, or parent coaching programs. These are designed to help your child catch up, learn new skills, and participate fully—often without needing an individual NDIS package.

These services will be available in the community and through state services, with easier access and less paperwork for families. Some families will still need tailored, higher-level supports via NDIS. But for many, thriving is about making sure the right support is there, early and easily, wherever you are.

For Parents: What Does Thriving Look Like at Home?

Thriving looks different for every child, but here’s what you might notice:

Your child is excited to try new things—even when it’s tricky.
They have friends (or can make connections), feel included, and know they belong.
There’s growth in confidence and skills—communicating, playing, moving, being independent.
They can express their feelings and ask for help.
There’s fun, laughter, and moments of joy every week.

These are all key outcomes of the “Thriving Kids” vision. When we get supports right, these are the moments that light up.

Practical Ways to Foster Thriving—With or Without NDIS

This new approach means more supports will be found outside (not just inside) the NDIS. Here are practical tips for parents:

1. Use Local Services and Community Groups

Check what’s running at your local community centre, library, or council—storytime, play groups, movement or music activities, and “come and try” sports. Many of these are now being re-shaped to support a wider range of abilities. Don’t hesitate to ask if extra support is available!

2. Partner With Mainstream Services

Preschools, kindys, and schools will play a bigger role in delivering early intervention. Reach out to educators and allied health staff (like speech or occupational therapists) working in your child’s setting. Ask about “small group” or “in-class” programs that can help, even if your child doesn’t have a diagnosis.

3. Stay Connected With Allied Health

Programs like ours at Nurturing Hands Allied Health can support your child to thrive in their everyday settings—home, kindy, school, and the community—whether via NDIS or by referring you to local, state, or government-funded foundational supports. Find out more about our family-centred, therapy-at-home services here: Allied Health Assistants

Look for chances for your child to interact with others, even in little ways—a park chat, library craft, or neighborhood BBQ. Friendships might start small and slow, but every moment of connection helps build your child’s resilience and sense of self.

5. Be Informed and Ask Questions

Read up on the “Thriving Kids” vision and upcoming changes (you can find the latest info via the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing). If you feel lost in the system or unsure what you can access, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice from your child’s health professional or contact us at Nurturing Hands Allied Health.

What if My Child Needs More Than “Foundational” Supports?

If your child has more complex needs, it’s natural to feel worried about changes to funding or eligibility. Rest assured: the “Thriving Kids” program and NDIS are still committed to meeting individual needs. Children whose disabilities require a higher level of individual and specialist supports will still be eligible for NDIS plans.

What’s changing is that there are now more choices and earlier supports for families—including those who might have missed out previously or waited far too long.

Your Child, Your Voice

Above all, your role as a parent or carer matters most when it comes to thriving. The “Thriving Kids” vision runs on the belief that all children, no matter their diagnosis or background, deserve to grow up healthy, happy, included, and able to chase their dreams.

We know that every family’s journey is different. If you have concerns—or hopes—you want to talk through, our supportive team is just a conversation away. Get in touch, share your story, and let’s help your child thrive together.

Want More Support?

Visit Nurturing Hands Allied Health for ideas on therapy, play, and allied health support at home, or check out our blog for more family-friendly tips and updates.

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Learn what “thriving” means for your child in the new “Thriving Kids” program, NDIS changes, and practical, family-focused ways to support your child’s growth, play and inclusion—no matter where you start.