If you've heard both names thrown around and aren't sure which one applies to your child, you're in good company — they're different things doing different jobs, and they can overlap. Thriving Kids is a new approach to early developmental support, and the NDIS is a separate, long-running scheme with its own eligibility rules. Here's how they differ, in plain terms, and what it means for the step you take today.
The two side by side
| Comparison point Thriving Kids | Comparison point NDIS |
|---|---|
| What it is | Thriving KidsA new national approach to early developmental support, being introduced in NSW in stages.NDISThe National Disability Insurance Scheme, a separate, long-standing scheme that provides individualised funding. |
| Who it's for | Thriving KidsNSW guidance currently focuses on children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs, plus their families, carers and kin.NDISPeople who meet the NDIS access requirements, including children with permanent and significant disability that affects everyday life. |
| How you get in | Thriving KidsGeneral supports are designed to be easy to access without a diagnosis — information, referral support and local programs.NDISYou apply for access and an NDIA planner decides eligibility against the scheme's requirements. |
| What it can include | Thriving KidsSupported playgroups, peer support, parenting programs, information and referral support, and goal-focused allied health and coordination under targeted supports.NDISA personally funded plan covering reasonable and necessary supports, which can include therapy, assessments, assistive technology and plan management. |
| Who decides | Thriving KidsSupport is arranged around a child's developmental needs and local availability; the timing and detail are still being rolled out.NDISThe NDIA determines access and approves the supports in an individual plan. |
| Timing in NSW | Thriving KidsGeneral supports are expected to begin from October 2026, with targeted supports following from January 2027 and more services during 2027.NDISRunning now, with its early childhood approach continuing as it is today. |
Where people get it wrong
- "One rule out the other." They aren't mutually exclusive. Families commonly use general supports while an NDIS application is in progress, and supports can sit alongside each other.
- "Nothing can happen until I get a decision." Plenty can. Search and referral on this platform is free today, and many providers see families without any funding arrangement in place.
- "I need a diagnosis first." For general supports, developmental concerns are usually enough to start a conversation. NDIS access is assessed separately against the scheme's own requirements.
- "This site can tell me if we qualify." It can't. Eligibility for either program is decided elsewhere; we're here to help you find and contact providers.
A simple way to decide your next step
You've noticed a concern and want help now
Look at general supports and local providers, and refer without waiting for a diagnosis or a funding decision.
Your child already has an NDIS plan
Keep working with your plan manager or NDIA contact, and use this directory to compare providers who fit your plan and your area.
You're thinking about applying to the NDIS
Check the official NDIS access requirements first, and start general supports in the meantime rather than pausing everything.
You're not sure which support actually fits
Book a developmental guidance appointment or assessment to get a clearer picture before committing to a course of therapy.
Questions families and referrers ask
Start with the support, not the paperwork
Whichever program ends up funding it, the first step is usually the same: find a provider who fits your child, your area and your availability. Searching, comparing and referring are free for families, carers and professional referrers.
This page is general information, not advice, and it isn't written or endorsed by the NDIA, the NDIS or any government department. Program details and timing are still changing, so check official NDIS sources, Australian Government and NSW Government guidance for the latest position.