Thriving Kids Program and Autism Assessments in Newcastle & Sydney
Introduction
If you are a parent seeking an autism assessment in Newcastle or Sydney, you may have heard about the new Thriving Kids Program, launching in July 2026. This major government reform is designed to change the way children with developmental differences, including autism, receive support.
Many families are asking: How will this affect my child’s NDIS application? and Should I still pursue a formal autism assessment now? This article explains what the Thriving Kids Program is, what it means for families, and why a high-quality autism assessment remains essential in both Newcastle and Sydney.
Why Was the Thriving Kids Program Created?
In 2024, children with autism represented 70% of new NDIS participants, putting pressure on scheme sustainability.
The government announced a $2 billion investment in early supports to reduce demand on the NDIS.
Thriving Kids will provide services for children with mild to moderate developmental concerns through schools, GPs, and community providers, while the NDIS will focus on those with significant and permanent disabilities.
What Will Change for Families Seeking Assessments?
Even with Thriving Kids on the horizon, an autism assessment remains crucial. Here’s why:
Diagnosis still matters: Whether a child enters NDIS or Thriving Kids, evidence of autism through a structured, gold-standard assessment is required.
Reports are decision-making tools: The NDIS and future Thriving Kids coordinators rely on psychologist reports to document both diagnosis and functional impact.
Planning for transitions: A thorough autism assessment now ensures families are not disadvantaged if eligibility rules tighten in 2027.
Autism Assessments in Newcastle and Sydney
At Mind & Health Psychology, we provide autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults across Newcastle and Sydney. Each assessment is conducted by Stephen O’Malley, a registered psychologist and board-approved supervisor with advanced training in neuropsychological assessment and over 20 years of experience.
We use gold-standard tools, including the:
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview)
MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum)
WISC-V / WAIS-IV (cognitive assessments) or Standford Binet (early) and Rosetti language measure for younger children.
Reports prepared by our clinicians have been accepted by the NDIS as part of funding applications. Acceptance of funding applications is determined by the NDIS on a case-by-case basis.”
What Does This Mean for Newcastle & Sydney Families?
Families in Newcastle and Sydney (Chatswood and North Shore) can access local autism assessments to prepare for upcoming changes.
A timely assessment helps ensure your child’s support needs are clearly documented before the Thriving Kids Program begins.
Even if your child transitions to Thriving Kids, a comprehensive psychological report provides schools, therapists, and community providers with a clear plan for support.
Key Takeaway for Parents
If you are considering an autism assessment in Newcastle or Sydney, now is the right time. The Thriving Kids Program will change how services are delivered, but a formal diagnosis and detailed report remain the foundation for accessing both NDIS and early intervention supports.