NDIS for autistic children: access, evidence and 2028 changes

Autistic children may be eligible for NDIS support, but access depends on the applicable requirements and the evidence provided. For a child under 9, an early childhood partner can help you understand options and, where appropriate, apply; talking to a partner is not the same as receiving a funded plan.^[]

The government says NDIS access will continue as it does now until 1 January 2028. Changes are planned from then, but the details of assessments and Thriving Kids are still being developed.^[]

Key facts, checked 4 November 2026

• The early childhood approach is available to children younger than 6 with developmental delay and children younger than 9 with disability. Children younger than 6 do not need a diagnosis for the approach.^[]
• The NDIA assesses disability requirements using evidence about impairment and its impact. Age and residence requirements also apply.^[]
• The first phase of Thriving Kids began on 1 October 2026, with further supports rolling out over time.^[]
• The 2026 NDIS amendment Act has passed. The government says the design and details of Thriving Kids are being developed before changes to the laws for the relevant children's access settings.^[]

If you want to enquire about Hey Sprout, you can send an enquiry. Availability and whether a service suits your circumstances need to be confirmed.

Where can a family start?

Talk to your child's health or education professional about your concerns. The NDIS says an early childhood partner can connect families with community and mainstream supports, provide information, offer a short period of early support where appropriate and help with an NDIS application.^[]

Early connections do not require NDIS eligibility. The NDIA can explain the access requirements and evidence relevant to your child.^[][]

How is NDIS access assessed?

The NDIA considers the evidence against the disability or early intervention requirements, alongside other eligibility requirements. Its disability guidance considers whether an impairment is permanent or likely to be permanent, its effect on everyday activities and participation, and the likely need for NDIS support.^[] A diagnosis alone should not be treated as a promise of access or a particular funding amount.

What evidence can help?

Ask the professionals who know your child what evidence is appropriate. The NDIA says evidence should be recent, specific to the person and describe the disability, its impact on daily life, previous treatments and their outcomes, and relevant future treatment options.^[]

Existing reports or letters may be useful. The NDIA lists several professionals who can provide autism-related evidence and gives examples of assessment evidence; check its current guidance before arranging a new assessment.^[] An early childhood partner can help families of children under 9 gather evidence.^[]

What might an NDIS plan cover?

Supports depend on the individual plan and NDIA decisions. Ask your NDIS contact how the plan's funding can be used for your child's needs, and check a support and provider before making arrangements. Our guide to NDIS therapy funding offers further context; confirm current rules with the NDIA.

What is planned for 2028?

The government says access changes will begin on 1 January 2028, including assessment based on functional capacity. It says a technical advisory group will advise on thresholds and assessments. The government also says it is working with states and territories on Thriving Kids design and details before making changes to laws for the children's settings.^[]

The stated plan is for Thriving Kids to support children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs. The government describes continued NDIS access for children who meet the relevant criteria for permanent and significant disability or substantially reduced functional capacity. The exact assessment and threshold details are still being developed, so an individual outcome cannot be predicted from these descriptions.^[]

For children aged 8 and under accessing the NDIS before 1 January 2028, the government says reassessment will continue under the earlier eligibility criteria until they turn 9. From then, it says the new functional-capacity criteria will apply.^[] Ask the NDIA about your child's circumstances and check its updates as implementation progresses.

What can you do now?

1. Talk with your child's health or education professional and contact an early childhood partner if relevant.^[]
2. Gather existing reports and ask what further evidence the NDIA needs.^[]
3. Keep questions about current access separate from questions about proposed changes.
4. If your child has a plan, see our first plan checklist and confirm current details with the NDIA.

For assessment information, read how autism assessment works in Australia. For the application, see the NDIS access request guide.

This guide is general information and is pending clinician review. For a question about Hey Sprout, send an enquiry. The NDIA can advise on your child's NDIS application or plan.