Victoria’s government announces the “Thriving Kids” model for children with autism and other developmental delays who are no longer supported by the NDIS. Multiple outlets report the initiative includes screening for all three- and four-year-olds in the state. The program is positioned as an alternative pathway for assessment and support, aiming to identify children who may need early intervention services.
The reports say Thriving Kids is targeted at families affected by changes in NDIS coverage and focuses on early detection during preschool ages. While the outlets highlight the introduction of screening for the specified age group, they also describe the broader purpose of connecting children with developmental support following assessment. The coverage emphasizes that the policy applies to all children in those age brackets rather than only those already known to services.
Overall, the articles agree that the Victorian government is rolling out a new state-based autism and developmental delays screening approach for three- and four-year-olds as part of the Thriving Kids model.
