Do I Still Need an Autism Assessment Under Thriving Kids?
Published 22 July 2026 · Reviewed 15 September 2026 · Dr Robert Parry, MBBS FRACP, Paediatrician · reviewed quarterly, next review due December 2026
One change with Thriving Kids is that support will be based on a child's needs rather than a formal diagnosis. So a fair question is: does an autism assessment still matter? For most families, the answer is yes; here's why.
General information, current as at September 2026. Every child is different, and your treating team can advise on what's right for yours.
Why an assessment still helps
Even where a diagnosis isn't required to access support, an assessment does something a support label can't: it gives you a clear understanding of your child, their strengths, their challenges, and the specific strategies likely to help. That understanding is valuable for your child's early years, for starting school, and for helping the adults around them respond well. See our autism assessment page.
When a diagnosis still matters
A formal diagnosis can still be important for children with permanent and significant disability or high support needs who remain on the NDIS, for some educational supports, and for families who simply want clarity and confidence about what's going on for their child. See our guide to is my child still eligible for the NDIS?
What about waiting for the changes?
There's no need to put your child's needs on hold. If you have concerns now, seeking advice now is sensible; support and understanding help most when they come early. In NSW, Thriving Kids general supports begin from October 2026 and targeted supports, including allied health therapy, from January 2027, with the separate NDIS access change from 1 January 2028. Read our guide to Thriving Kids and the NDIS changes.
Our assessments
Our team provides paediatric and developmental assessments for children across the Hunter, from our Merewether and Carrington clinics, to help you understand your child's needs and the support options available.
Contact our team on 02 4072 1877 to discuss an assessment for your child.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. If you have concerns about your child, please speak with your GP, paediatrician, or our assessment team.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an autism diagnosis for my child under Thriving Kids?
Access to Thriving Kids is based on support needs rather than a formal diagnosis. However, an assessment is still valuable for understanding your child's needs, for school, and for children who remain on the NDIS.
Should I wait for the changes before seeking an assessment?
There is no need to wait. If you have concerns, seeking advice early is generally best, as support helps most when it starts early. In NSW, Thriving Kids targeted supports, which include allied health therapy, do not begin until January 2027.
