Submission to the Inquiry into the Thriving

Kids Initiative

Prepared by the Autism Association of Australia (formerly Autism Awareness Australia)

Introduction

Autism Association of Australia (AAA) is the peak body for autism families in Australia. We welcome the announcement of the Thriving Kids initiative and the government’s $2 billion commitment to building a national system of developmental supports for children aged 0–8.

We believe that if carefully designed and implemented, Thriving Kids could represent a once-in- a-generation opportunity to reset how Australia identifies and responds to paediatric developmental concerns. The success of this program will rest on whether it can deliver consistent, equitable, evidence-based supports across all jurisdictions - and ensure that children with higher support needs are not left behind.

Why Thriving Kids Matters

In recent years, families of children with developmental delay and autism have been pointed towards the NDIS as the only option for meaningful support. While some parents are able to secure an NDIS funding package, they are then left to navigate an open market of early intervention providers with little guidance. Families are not supported to be informed “consumers,” and too often face confusing choices about what is high-quality, evidence- based, and appropriate for their child’s needs.

Thriving Kids offers the chance to:

• Deliver supports through universal systems families already access and trust (maternal and child health, GPs, early learning centres, schools, and digital platforms).
• Provide parents with consistent, trusted, evidence-based guidance.
• Ensure that interventions are tailored to the child’s needs, ranging from mild developmental delays to more complex presentations that require intensive support.

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Opportunities for System Redesign

Universal Three-Year Developmental Check

The proposed bulk-billed developmental screening at age three is an excellent policy innovation. It will enable earlier identification and more timely referral into Thriving Kids supports. To be effective, staff undertaking these checks must be well-trained in the use of appropriate screening tools. This will help avoid the “wait and see” approach that too often delays intervention at the critical early years stage.

Evidence-Based Interventions

Children with developmental concerns must have access to a full range of evidence-based interventions. This includes:

• Behaviour analysis and Positive Behaviour Supports
• Speech pathology
• Occupational therapy
• Psychology and clinical psychology

Interventions should be tailored to the developmental stage and needs of each child, with a focus on building functional skills, communication, independence, and participation.

Digital Navigation Tools for Parents

We strongly endorse the government’s recognition of the importance of nationally consistent, evidence-based digital resources. AAA’s Autism: What Next? platform was cited by the Minister as a model of best practice. We are actively developing the next phase of this platform to deliver targeted training for parents, empowering them to embed developmental strategies at home and complement the supports children receive through Thriving Kids.

Integration with Schools and Early Education

Schools and early education settings will be a critical delivery channel for Thriving Kids, but they are also the greatest risk. Currently, most schools are not equipped to deliver developmental supports at scale. Significant investment in teacher and school staff training will be required, alongside structural adjustments, if schools are to be effective partners in the program. Without this, the burden will fall disproportionately on families.

Risks and Challenges

Pathways for Children with Complex and Higher Needs

While Thriving Kids can provide excellent group and mainstream supports for many children, some — particularly those with moderate to profound autism or complex developmental delay — will continue to require more intensive, individualised therapies. These children must be identified early and provided with clear referral pathways into the NDIS, where individualised plans and funding are essential.

Workforce Shortages

There is already a significant national shortage of professionals trained to deliver evidence- based therapy and supports. This includes behaviour analysts, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists. Thriving Kids must incorporate a workforce development strategy that increases supply, maintains quality, and ensures equitable access across metropolitan, regional, and rural areas.

Equity of Access

To avoid postcode lotteries, the design must ensure consistent delivery across all states and territories, and must address access barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and families in regional and remote areas.

Conclusion

Thriving Kids presents a rare opportunity to build a national system that addresses gaps in early developmental supports, reduces reliance on the NDIS, and delivers better outcomes for children and families. Its success will depend on:

• Universal screening and early identification.
• Access to a broad range of evidence-based interventions, including behavioural and psychological supports.
• A strong digital navigation system for parents, scaled nationally.
• Careful planning for schools is key but underprepared delivery sites.
• Clear pathways to the NDIS for children with higher support needs.
• A comprehensive workforce strategy to meet demand.

Autism Association of Australia stands ready to contribute its expertise, lived experience, and proven national platforms to help ensure Thriving Kids delivers on its promise. This is a pivotal moment to build a system that truly helps every child thrive.

About the Autism Association of Australia

Autism Association of Australia (AAA) is the peak body for autism families in Australia.

Founded in 2007, AAA is a trusted national voice on autism advocacy, education, and awareness. For more than 18 years, we have delivered high-impact campaigns, resources, and programs that support families, shape public policy, and improve community understanding of autism.

AAA is led and informed by lived experience. The majority of our board and executive team are parents of autistic children, and autistic individuals are directly engaged in our work. This ensures our advocacy and programs are both authentic and grounded in real-world needs.

Our work is guided by formal Advisory Committees of autistic adults, parents, and professionals, who bring expertise and lived experience into our program design and advocacy. We are also supported by a wide network of colleagues and families who collaborate with us on specific projects and initiatives.

Our national reach includes Australia’s largest autism-focused online community, with more than 215,000 active followers. Our platforms — including Autism: What Next? and Navigating Autism — are evidence-based, free, and accessible to families across the country. They are widely recognised by government, professionals, and the community as trusted, independent sources of information.

AAA’s strength lies in combining lived experience, professional expertise, and strategic influence to represent and advocate for autism families across Australia.