National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 2278 Good morning,

I am writing as the parent and primary carer of my 5-year-old son,, who is autistic and lives in Queensland, in response to the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS) Bill 2026.

I am deeply concerned about the proposed Thriving Kids program, which from January 1st would divert autistic children aged under eight years old with low or moderate support needs away from the NDIS. Public discussion surrounding these reforms has also used mild” describe those children However “mild does not recognised clinical classification within DSM-5 ICD-11 nor accurately reflects complexity experienced many autism child family’s. My son has ASD Level two non-speaking sensory processing disorder He currently relies weekly speech therapy occupational therapy intensive daily support provided me sole carer While his support needs appear on paper do reality our life intervention needed communicate regulate learn participate safely world around him Progress he made possible early consistent therapy Without these supports development independence future quality significantly impacted As a his sole carer could afford privately fund therapies requires continue developing essential skills communication. Analysis by disability consultants NDIA own consultation documents indicates Agency anticipates most autistic children receive mid-range funding small proportion expected qualify higher levels This appears inconsistent foundational principle participants assessed according individual circumstances need’s. Also concern that Thriving kids programme fully co-designed autistic people families limited publicly available evidence supporting model clearly defined guaranteed pathways back into NDIS should increase over time respectfully ask Committee ensure no autistic diverted separate system provides equivalent individually assessed supports properly designed autistic people and includes clear funded pathways required Autistic children should be assessed supported their individual needs grouped broad categories may fail reflect realities of their disability requirements Yours sincerely,