'Ableist and discriminatory': focus on NDIS autism plan

Children with autism are being used as scapegoats for spiralling NDIS costs, an independent support co-ordinator says, as an inquiry begins into changes to the system.

The federal government hopes moving some children with autism and developmental delays off the National Disability Insurance Scheme will rein in spending and ensure the scheme's sustainability.

The Thriving Kids program would provide early intervention and support through mainstream channels like general practitioners and schools beginning from mid-2026.

But the plan had used autistic people as a scapegoat for the scheme's increasing costs and excluding autism was more than short-sighted, Ange McArthur said.

"It is ableist and discriminatory," she said.

The independent support co-ordinator and mother of two autistic sons warned a "deeply harmful" narrative around the changes demonised autistic people as a "burden".

The proposed program would remove choice and control from individuals and "seems dangerously centred around outdated behavioural interventions" that will repeat past mistakes, she warned in a submission to a parliamentary inquiry.

Its first public hearing will be held on Friday, with disability advocacy organisations from around the nation to appear in Canberra.

The federal government's announcement in August surprised some state leaders and prompted concerns of inadequate consultation creating uncertainty for families and children on the scheme.

The inquiry will ensure families, professionals and communities are central to the program's design to meet the real and evolving needs of the children it will affect, committee chair Mike Freelander said.

"It provides an opportunity for a broad spectrum of stakeholders to share their insights and recommendations, ensuring that policies are practical, equitable, and responsive."

Almost two dozen submissions were made, many of them voicing strong concerns about the proposed changes.

"I am deeply concerned that the approach and assumptions behind this initiative will be detrimental to children with disabilities such as autism," one parent of an affected child submitted.

They described lengthy and invasive assessments to access support under the current arrangement, but warned the proposed changes risked creating a "two-tier" system.

Children with straightforward needs would be supported while those with complex, lifelong disabilities were overlooked.

"Thriving kids must complement, not replace or reduce, the NDIS.

"The NDIS is not a luxury - it is a lifeline," they said.

The program has the potential to improve outcomes for children with developmental differences, but only if implemented correctly, Queensland-based learning and support service All About Autism submitted.

Founder Lizzie Vaughan urged investment in affordable programs, help for families to navigate intersecting systems, training for staff and long-term support for children to provide certainty.

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