Submission to the Parliamentary Enquiry into the Thriving Kids Initiative
Introduction:
I am writing to you as a grand parent of a child with disability.
I welcome for the opportunity to provide this submission to the parliamentary committee on the enquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative as announced by the Minister.
While I acknowledge the vision of helping children with mild Autism under “Thrive Initiatives” I am deeply concerned that the approach and assumptions behind this initiative will be detrimental to children with disabilities such as Autism.
Parents Do Not Invent Disabilities: There is a troubling narrative that families are pursuing diagnoses for their children in order to access funding by some ignorant officials/representatives.
This is not only false & misunderstood, but also harmful.
No parent would choose a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or other deferred developmental conditions for financial reasons.
The process of assessment is long, invasive, frustrating and emotionally difficult.
Parents seek NDIS hELP, only because they want their children to be understood, supported, and given the best chance at life.
To suggest otherwise delegitimises families and undermines the integrity of every child’s diagnosis and is Unfortunate.
The Realities of Autism, Developmental Delays and Disability with Children with autism and other disabilities face complex, lifelong challenges:
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Communication Barriers – With Developmental Delays , Many of the Children cannot express their needs or feelings, which can lead to distress and behaviours of concern.
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Sensory processing issues – With Developmental Delays, Lack of Communications, everyday environments such as schools or shops can be overwhelming and even traumatic.
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Social difficulties – As stated above with similar disabilities, developing friendships with other children’s and joining community activities often requires Patience and Structured Specialists Support.
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Multiple diagnoses – Some children also experience anxiety, ADHD, or intellectual disability, adding to the challenges.
Families with disable children must juggle therapy schedules, medical appointments, behaviour support planning, and constant advocacy.
This is not about seeking advantage of the NDIS or Governments Supports; it is about survival of these Kids.
NDIS and Early Intervention Are Essential _The NDIS is not a luxury – it is a lifeline for these kids in need.
It funds therapies, communication tools, respite, and inclusion opportunities. Most importantly, it enables early intervention.
Without NDIS supports: - Children miss out on critical developmental windows.
- Families face enormous financial and emotional strain.
- Children grow into adults who are far more likely to need intensive crisis services later in life.
Investing early is not only ethical but economically responsible. It reduces the long-term costs to government and allows children to build independent, meaningful lives.
Concerns with the Thriving Kids Initiative: As it stands, the initiative risks creating a two-tier system:
a. One where children with straightforward needs are supported, and b. Another where children with lifelong, complex disabilities are overlooked or disbelieved. If Thriving Kids reduces reliance on the NDIS or casts suspicion on diagnoses, it will actively harm the children it claims to help.
Recommendations to the Respected Parliamentary Committee:
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Respect Parent’s lived experience: Parents do not fabricate disability – they fight for their children’s rights.
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Protect NDIS funding for children in Needs: Thriving Kids must complement, not replace or reduce, the NDIS.
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Prioritise early intervention to HELP: Guarantee timely, affordable, and evidence-based supports.
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Include affected families in design: All such Policies must be shaped in partnership with those who live with this realities daily.
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Think long-term Benefits to Tax Payers: Children with disability will become adults with disability; their needs do not end with childhood.
Conclusion: Children with disabilities are not statistics or budget lines – they are individuals who deserve the chance to thrive. That chance comes from recognition, respect, and access to proper supports, not suspicion or funding cuts.
As a grand parent, I urge The Parliamentary Committee to ensure that the Thriving Kids initiative to Supplement and Strengthens the NDIS, rather than Weakens, the Rights and Futures of children with Disability.
Thanks
With Regards
02 Oct 2025