Who is eligible:

• Children aged 8 years and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs (Children do not require a diagnosis to access support)

• Families and carers seeking information, guidance and support.

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What support is available:

Victorian services (from October 2026)

ACD Support Line
Delivered by Advocating for Children with Disability (ACD), this is a freetelephone information and self-advocacy support service for Victorian familiesand carers raising children with developmental delay and disability.
Phone: 03 9880 7000 or 1800 654 013 (regional).

Strengthening Parent Support Program
Provides support for parents and carers of children and young people (0-18years) with developmental delay or disability.

Support includes:

• facilitator-led support groups
• peer-led support groups
• parenting education sessions
• information sessions
• individual support.

Additional Autism Assessments
Thriving Kids Victoria is funding additional autism assessments through theOlga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC), with a focus on supportinglow-income families, First Nations families and families living in areas withlimited services.

From January 2027:

Thriving Kids Victoria will progressively introduce:

• Two new developmental checks for Victorian children – one as each child starts kinder, and one as they start school
• Time-limited     allied health supports to help children build everyday skills and independence

• The first 6 sites offering allied health supports will be located atBendigo, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Loddon, Maribyrnong and Melton.

  Learn more: Thriving Kids – Information for families | vic.gov.au

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National services (from October 2026)

The following are now available for all parents, carers andprofessional seeking information and support.

Thriving Kids Information & Resources Hub
Delivered by the Raising Children Network, this online hub provides informationand guidance for families and professionals about child development anddevelopmental concerns.

Thriving Kids Autism Helpline
Delivered by Amaze, the helpline provides information, advice and connectionsto relevant services for children with autism and their families. Parents/carers can also submit an enquiry via the website and a Thriving Kids Advisor will be in contact.
Phone: 1300 654 789

From November 2026

• Medicare-funded health and development checks for three-year-olds will be introduced.

 There is no change to the NDIS process oreligibility until 1 January 2028.

• Parents, carers and professionals can continue to access and refer children to the NDIS Early Childhood Approach under current arrangements.
• Children aged 0-8 who are already NDIS participants, or who enter the NDIS before 1 January 2028, will continue to receive NDIS supports while they remain eligible for the Scheme.

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