The NDIS for Children: A Parent Guide
A plain-English guide to the NDIS for children: how kids access support, what's funded, the early childhood approach, school, and what reforms mean.
How the NDIS for children works at a glance
The early childhood approach for under 9s
How to apply for the NDIS for a child
What NDIS funding for a child usually covers
The NDIS and school: who pays for what
What the 2026-27 reforms mean for children
Thriving Kids and Foundational Supports explained simply
Eligibility changes and what stays the same
Managing your child's plan and budget
Life transitions: school, turning 18 and beyond
Common pitfalls and practical tips
What to do next
Frequently asked questions
Can my child get the NDIS without a formal diagnosis?
Often yes, especially for younger children. Under the early childhood approach, support can begin based on developmental delay or developmental concern while assessments continue. Contact an early childhood partner to get started rather than waiting for a diagnosis.
Will the NDIS reforms cut my child's supports?
Children under 18 are not part of the new planning framework rolling out from April 2027 at first, and critical daily-living and personal-care supports are not part of the participation budget reset. Some changes are still staged over coming years, so confirm current details with the NDIA. No one can promise an individual outcome.
What is Thriving Kids and does it replace the NDIS?
Thriving Kids is part of a roughly $5 billion Foundational Supports commitment, with about $2 billion for children, providing services outside the NDIS through mainstream and community settings. It is meant to complement the NDIS, especially for children with lower-level needs, but availability in your area is still being rolled out, so ask what exists now.
Does the NDIS pay for my child's needs at school?
Schools cover reasonable adjustments for learning and accessing education. The NDIS funds disability supports that are additional and not education-related, such as therapies that build skills used everywhere. When it is unclear, ask both the school and the NDIA to explain their role in writing.
What happens to my child's plan when they turn 18?
Turning 18 is a transition point: your child moves from child to adult planning, decision-making shifts toward the young person, and new supports such as employment-related ones become relevant. It is worth preparing in the year before, and our Turning 18 on the NDIS article walks through the changes.