Victoria’s state government has announced the Thriving Kids model for young children with autism and developmental delays who are no longer supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The program includes plans to screen all three- and four-year-olds as they approach kindergarten and school. According to reporting across outlets, the initiative is positioned as an early-intervention pathway for developmental needs, with screening intended to identify children who may benefit from additional support.
The Conversation also notes that the proposal involves screening for developmental delay and discusses the distinction between screening and diagnosing autism, emphasizing that diagnosing autism is not the same as screening for developmental concerns. While the government’s plan focuses on universal screening at these ages, the commentary highlights that the process and interpretation of results need to be handled carefully, given differences between developmental screening tools and formal autism diagnosis.
Overall, the sources describe a shift in Victoria’s approach for children who fall outside NDIS coverage, with screening beginning before kindergarten and school.
