There is a lot of uncertainty right now for families of young children with developmental concerns. From mid-2027, the Australian Government has announced that children with mild to moderate developmental delay will be directed toward a new program called Thriving Kids, rather than the NDIS. New Medicare pathways for allied health are also being considered.
For many families, that news lands somewhere between confusing and frightening — especially if you are already mid-assessment, mid-waitlist, or mid-therapy.
What does not change is this: early OT support is about understanding how your child moves through the world right now. How they hold a pencil, manage a noisy classroom, sequence the steps of getting dressed, or regulate when things feel overwhelming. Those needs exist regardless of which program or pathway eventually funds the support.
At Care For Welfare, our therapist works with a small number of children at a time — in their homes, their schools, the places where life actually happens. When policy shifts, that consistency is not a small thing. Families are not starting over with a new face every six months. The same therapist who noticed how a child holds scissors in Term 1 is still there in Term 3.
If you are trying to make sense of what these changes mean for your family, the NDIS website and your GP are the right starting points for your specific situation.
General information only. Not personal advice. Speak with your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or allied health provider for advice specific to your situation.
For those of you already navigating this — what has been the hardest part of finding consistent support for your child?
