Help for young children
For families of children aged 8 and under. Maybe your child is slower to talk, move, play or learn than you expected.
You don't need an NDIS plan
You don't need an NDIS plan to contact a provider. You will pay them yourself unless other help applies.
You don't need a diagnosis to ask for help.
Thriving Kids
Children under 9 may get help through your state's Thriving Kids services. Thriving Kids is for young children with developmental delay or autism.
It is starting in stages. In some places, some help is there now. It will be in place across Australia by January 2028. What you can get depends on where you live.
Ask your GP, child health nurse or early childhood educator.
- Thriving Kids (Australian Government)
- Thriving Kids in your state or territory
Talk to a child health nurse
You can talk to a maternal and child health nurse about how your child is growing. Call 1800 882 436, 7 am to midnight (AEST), every day. There is no charge to call from within Australia.
The NDIS early childhood approach
The NDIS early childhood approach is for children younger than 9 with delays in their development or disability. An early childhood partner can help you work out what support your child needs.
The early childhood approach (NDIS)
Find a provider near you
Add your suburb or postcode on the next page. Providers on this list charge fees. Ask about cost before you book.
Last checked 11 October 2026 against the government pages linked above. Browse all supports