Model revealed for Thriving Kids, the NDIS alternative for some children with developmental delay or autism

By bobb |

Nas Campanella

In short:

The federal government has released the model for its Thriving Kids program, aimed at setting up services and supports run by states and territories outside the NDIS.

The model centres on key areas including identifying children with developmental delay or autism, connecting them with information and supports, and building the skills of parents.

Mosman Park suspected double murder-suicide prompts calls for greater support for families with high-needs children

By bobb |
Maiwenna Goasdoue (left) and Jarrod Clune (right) facing the camera and smiling

Rhiannon Shine

In short:

Teenage brothers Leon and Otis, who lived with disabilities, were found dead in their Perth home along with their parents Jarrod and Maiwenna.

The incident, which police have described as a suspected double murder-suicide, is still being investigated.

What's next?

A disability advocate says the tragedy highlights the need for more support for families with high-needs children.

Labor offers to delay NDIS autism changes if states agree to hospital and disability funding deal

By bobb |
Albo and Butler walking down stairs

The $2bn Thriving Kids scheme, due to start on 1 July, would instead start in October, after states said they were not ready yet.

The Albanese government has offered to delay the start of a new program for early intervention autism services and provide budget top-ups for smaller states, part of efforts to secure an overdue deal on hospitals and disability funding.

Westmead's One Stop Shop responses from governments

By convenor |

In relation to A4's advocacy for improving essential hospital services for profoundly autistic Australians (see https://a4.org.au/node/2758), A4 received the following responses from governments and Ministers that were contacted initially. 

  • NSW response
  • federal response 

The NSW response is positive. We are keep to see how this develops ... both at Westmead hospital (inner-western Sydney) and in other NSW hospitals.

NDIS overhaul must allow kids with most profound autism to retain supports

By bobb |

Steve Robson

Health Minister Mark Butler faces a delicate balance ensuring tens of thousands of autistic children don’t lose vital support as he moves them from the NDIS to his new Thriving Kids scheme. 

In August this year Health Minister Mark Butler announced his commitment to moving tens of thousands of Australian children from the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a new program to be called Thriving Kids.

Thriving Kids Committee finally publishes a redacted version of A4's submission

By convenor |

Almost, two months after A4 made its submission to the Thriving Kids inquiry, the Committee got around to publishing a redacted version of the submission - see https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=aa16eb63-911d-40fb-a99f-3d….

A4 is a national disability representative organisation (DRO) for autism that is recognised by government. A4 is the only national recognised DRO for autism representing the full autism spectrum.

urgent funding needed for Westmead's One Stop Shop for patients with profound disability

By convenor |

Dear Minister Butler MP

I recently became aware of the Westmead's One Stop Shop pro bono service for profoundly autistic patients (and others with severe disability who otherwise do not access many crucial health services). This service was described on the ABC in 2023.

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