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Thriving Kids Announcement: Our Response as an Autistic-Led Organisation

| accessibility, advocacy, disability, healthcare, human rights, therapy

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21 August, 2025

Like many of you, we have heard the recent NDIS reform announcement that includes removing children with “mild and moderate autism” and sending them to the new Thriving Kids program.

We are still processing this news and trying to gather more information. At this stage, there are many unanswered questions about this new program, such as:

  • How will Autistic children and families be supported?
  • Will the approach be neuro-affirming?
  • Will there be genuine involvement of Autistic people in shaping the program’s design?

As an Autistic-led organisation, we believe that any program for Autistic people must be co-designed with Autistic people.

Without this, there is a real risk that supports will not meet the needs of our community.

We want to acknowledge that uncertainty naturally brings concern, fear and worry, and many families are feeling this right now.We remain dedicated to advocating for Autistic voices to be heard and Autistic children to be best supported.

We will continue to connect with and serve the Autistic community in whatever form the reforms take.

We would like to thank the following organisations for their considered insights and contributions in the wake of this announcement.

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Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

The Reframing Autism team would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we have the privilege to learn, work, and grow. Whilst we gather on many different parts of this Country, the RA team walk on the land of the Awabakal, Birpai, Whadjak, and Wiradjuri peoples.

We are committed to honouring the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this Country, and the diversity and learning opportunities with which they provide us. We extend our gratitude and respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to all Elders past and present, for their wisdom, their resilience, and for helping this Country to heal.

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