AEIOU responds to Thriving Kids — national early supports for children with developmental delay and autism
Brisbane, QLD — The AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism has welcomed the Australian Government's Thriving Kids initiative, a new national system of supports designed to help children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs, and their families.
Thriving Kids aims to give children the best start in life by identifying developmental concerns as early as possible and providing access to evidence-based supports in settings where children live, learn and play. These include primary health care, early childhood settings, schools, community health, and digital and phone-based services.
AEIOU CEO Dr Rosa Flaherty said the initiative reflects a broader national focus on early intervention for childhood development and on supporting families through accessible community-based pathways.
"Early, timely support can make a meaningful difference in a child's development," Dr Flaherty said. "We welcome any approach that helps families access trusted information, advice and therapeutic supports at the right time, and in a way that works for their child. Thriving Kids recognises that developmental differences can be identified early and supported outside of highly specialised services alone."
Under the current timeline, Thriving Kids will begin state and territory rollout from 1 October 2026, with services expected to be at scale by 1 January 2028. Children with permanent and significant disabilities will continue to receive support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Dr Flaherty emphasised that AEIOU centres will continue to provide high-quality, individualised early intervention for enrolled children and their families.
"For children currently enrolled with AEIOU, there is no change to the support they receive through our programs," she said. "Our focus remains on supporting children with autism to build confidence, capability and connection — in partnership with families, therapists, educators and communities."
AEIOU will continue to share information with families and partners in the early childhood and disability sectors as details about Thriving Kids services and access arrangements are developed.
Media enquiries:
Cherie Smith
Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications
AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism
E:communications@aeiou.org.au
W: aeiou.org.au
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