The Autism Association of Australia (AAA) has welcomed the release of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group’s final report, congratulating the Advisory Group on completing a substantial and complex piece of work.
Nicole Rogerson, CEO of AAA, said the report provides important new detail about a program that was announced with limited information, and which families and the sector have been seeking to better understand.
“Families and the community have wanted to know more about what Thriving Kids actually means in practice,” Ms Rogerson said.
“Today we do have more information, which is welcome, but it also raises new and important questions about how this will work on the ground.”
While the report adds detail, many parents will still have questions about what Thriving Kids will mean for their own child and family.
The report contains a number of strong and encouraging policy settings. The proposed universal three-year developmental check is a significant step forward and directly addresses the long-standing ‘wait and see’ approach that has left too many children without early support.
“Ending ‘wait and see’ matters enormously to families. Earlier identification means children can get help when it makes the biggest difference, rather than losing precious time while concerns are minimised or dismissed.”
AAA also welcomed the diagnostic-agnostic approach, which focuses on responding to developmental delay as soon as it is identified, rather than requiring families to wait for a diagnosis before support begins.
The emphasis on parent navigation and family capacity-building recognises parents as central to their child’s development, while access to supports through early childhood education, schools and community settings reflects how families actually live and seek help.
Importantly, the report clearly recognises that children with profound or severe autism and higher support needs will continue to be supported through the NDIS, providing reassurance to families who rely on individualised supports.
AAA also supports the report’s focus on upskilling GPs, educators and others across the community, and on reducing the intense pressure families currently feel to pursue a diagnosis simply to access help.
However, Ms Rogerson cautioned that implementation will be the defining challenge.
“This is an enormous piece of national reform, and the risks identified in the report are real. Workforce capacity will make or break Thriving Kids.”
She said particular attention must be paid to schools and the early childhood education and care sector.
“We already know inclusion is inconsistent and often poor in many schools and early childhood settings, and there is currently limited specialist capability within ECEC to take on this role at scale. Without serious investment in workforce development, Thriving Kids risks placing unrealistic expectations on systems that are already under strain.”
Overall, AAA is cautiously optimistic about the Thriving Kids program and its potential to improve outcomes for children and families.
“The intent is right and the opportunity is significant. We will continue to work constructively with government to help ensure Thriving Kids is properly resourced, carefully staged, and able to genuinely deliver on its promise for families across Australia.”
Media Contact
Nicole Rogerson
0417 692 226
