From October 2026, we’re going to see a big shift in how children access support in Australia. Many children with what are considered mild to moderate needs will no longer be supported through the NDIS. Instead, they’ll move into a new system called “Thriving Kids.”

The intention behind this is to create a more streamlined, community-based model of support but understandably, for parents, it can feel uncertain right now.

What this means in simple terms is that children who may have previously accessed ongoing NDIS-funded therapy (like speech pathology or occupational therapy) might not have that same level of funding or flexibility moving forward.

Instead of long-term, individualised funding packages, support is likely to look more structured, potentially shorter-term, and more generalised across services.

For many parents, the NDIS has allowed consistent, relationship-based therapy with a clinician who really knows their child. You’ve had someone in your corner, tracking progress over time, adjusting strategies, and supporting not just your child but you as a parent as well.

That continuity is incredibly valuable and understandably, there’s concern about what happens when that changes.

So the question becomes:

How do we make sure children still get high-quality support, without it becoming financially overwhelming or hard to access?

What Actually Helps Children Build Communication Skills

After 18 years as a speech pathologist, one thing is very clear: children make the most progress when support continues outside of therapy sessions – in everyday life.

Not just in a clinic room, but:

  • during snack time
  • in the car
  • at bath time
  • while reading books
  • in everyday conversations

These small, consistent moments are where communication skills are built.

What many parents really need isn’t just more therapy sessions – it’s clarity and confidence around:

  • what their child should be working on
  • how to support communication naturally
  • what actually matters (and what doesn’t)
  • how to build these skills into daily routines without overwhelm

When parents feel confident in this, the progress can be incredible.

Simple Ways to Support Your Child at Home

For families navigating changes like “Thriving Kids,” this becomes even more important.

Some simple, evidence-based ways to support your child include:

  • focusing on connection before correction
  • building language through play and shared activities
  • repeating and expanding what your child says
  • creating opportunities for your child to communicate, rather than anticipating every need

These aren’t complicated strategies – but they are powerful when used consistently.

Bridging the Gap Between Therapy and Everyday Life

With changes like “Thriving Kids,” we’re likely to see more families needing support that sits between formal therapy and doing it all alone.

Something that helps you feel confident, informed, and supported – without relying entirely on a system that may be changing.

This is exactly where parent-focused support can make a big difference.

Programs like Ready Set Talk have been designed with this in mind – to give parents of children aged 0–6 clear, practical guidance on how to support communication at home in a way that feels manageable and realistic.

It’s not about replacing therapy, but about making sure you know what to do in between sessions – or when access to services is limited.

And for many families, that’s where the biggest shifts happen.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

If you’ve found yourself wondering:

  • “Am I doing enough?”
  • “Should I be worried?”
  • “What should I actually be focusing on?”

You’re not alone.

The system may be changing, but the goal stays the same —
 we want children to communicate, connect, and feel confident.

And we want parents to feel supported and capable along the way.

If you’re looking for guidance on what to do next, there are supports available — whether that’s through services, your local community, or structured programs like Ready Set Talk.

You don’t need to have all the answers right now.
But having the right support around you can make all the difference.

Contact Jules at julestush.com.au

Phone 1300 848 795 for any questions or to register info@growantelltherapy.com.au 

Jules Tush is a speech pathologist, mum of two, and the founder of Grow & Tell Speech & OT. With over 18 years’ experience, she’s known for breaking down child development in a way that actually makes sense for parents. 

Jules shares practical, no-fluff advice to help you support your child’s communication at home, without the overwhelm. Through her programs, resources, and online content, she’s on a mission to make early support more accessible, empowering, and realistic for busy families.