ABC News Daily Will cutting autism fix the NDIS?
Aug 25, 2025
Nas Campanella, ABC's National Disability Affairs Reporter, offers critical insights on the government's controversial decision to remove autism support from the NDIS. She discusses the emotional impact on families, especially regarding the new Thriving Kids initiative, which aims to assist children with mild to moderate developmental delays. The complexities of eligibility, funding, and therapy adequacy are also explored, revealing the deep concerns within the disability community about the future of support and potential reforms in Australia.
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Family Life With High Support Needs
- Jess Otter describes her son being diagnosed with level three autism at two and a half and needing substantial daily support.
- She details his non-speaking status, sleep issues and need for help with feeding, dressing and supervision.
Current Supports And Parental Fears
- Jess Otter lists the current NDIS supports her son receives including speech, occupational and behavioural therapy and core support workers.
- She says parents fear being pushed off established therapy relationships if changes proceed without detail.
Thriving Kids Aims To Reduce NDIS Growth
- The government plans Thriving Kids to divert children with mild to moderate autism from the NDIS to curb scheme growth.
- Children with autism or developmental delays currently make up 44% of the scheme, driving reform urgency.