Thriving Kids in the Northern Territory

Thriving Kids is a new NT program that will provide supports for children aged 8 and under who have:

• developmental delay
• autism, with low to moderate support needs.

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, Thriving Kids can help you understand what support is available and where to start.

What it will do

Thriving Kids will help children get the best start in life by improving early identification and response to developmental needs, and by supporting families with information, advice and connection to services.

Services will include:

• information and navigation
• parenting supports
• targeted developmental assistance when needed.

It's designed for the Territory and will deliver culturally responsive supports through a ‘no wrong door’ approach, ensuring families can access help wherever they first seek it.

When you can access it

From 1 October 2026, the NT will begin introducing Thriving Kids, with a full rollout by 1 January 2028.

Ongoing development and rollout of Thriving Kids will be shaped by consultation with families, communities and the sector.

What is changing

There are no changes for children already on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) until 1 January 2028. Existing NDIS participants will continue to be considered under arrangements that apply to their plan and reassessment.

From 1 October 2026, children with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs who are seeking support may be directed to Thriving Kids rather than a new NDIS plan.

How Thriving Kids helps children and families

Thriving Kids will provide:

• earlier help when developmental concerns emerge
• support based on a child’s needs, without waiting for a formal diagnosis.
• more support delivered through everyday settings and closer to home
• a coordinated, child-and family-centred approach
• culturally responsive services for Aboriginal people and diverse communities.

How to get help

You don’t need a diagnosis before asking for help.

• Visit the Thriving Kids Information and Resources Hub
• Call the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline on 1300 654 789 available 8 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday
• Call the National Phone line on 1800 882 436 available 7 am to midnight, 7 days a week including video call.

You can also seek advice from your GP, health professional, child health nurse, early childhood services, schools and allied health services.

Thriving Kids Autism Helpline

The Thriving Kids Autism Helpline is a national autism-specific helpline, with a supporting digital information and resource hub for families, carers and kin of children aged 0-8 years with autism, developmental concerns or suspected developmental differences, providing locally tailored information, advice, connections and resources.

National phone line

The National phone line provides information and advice to families of children aged 0 to 8 years with early developmental and behavioural concerns.

It also connects families with appropriate supports and services when additional needs are identified.

Community consultation

Information sessions are also being held across the NT for parents, caregivers, kin and service providers.

Find a date and location near you.

Learn more

• Thriving Kids in the NT - fact sheet PDF (452.8 KB)
• Thriving Kids in the NT - Easy Read fact sheet PDF (1.4 MB)

Read more about Thriving Kids on the Australian Government's Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Read the National Agreement on Foundational Supports on the Australian Government's Federal Financial Relations website.