Follow the day’s news live. Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast From today, children under nine years old with mild developmental delays and autism can access early intervention services through a program called Thriving Kids , which is administered by state and territory governments. The change was announced by the Albanese government in August 2025 and will slowly move children off the National Disability Insurance Scheme. It will fully replace the NDIS for these children by 2028. Unlike the NDIS, participation in Thriving Kids won’t require a formal diagnosis, potentially speeding up services and saving families money. The health minister, Mark Butler , recently told parents there would be no gap in government support for their children. Queensland is the sole A