NDIS Changes and Neurodivergent Inclusion: What Community Organisations Should Know
Estimated Reading Time: 3-4 minutes
Recent funding cuts to the NDIS are affecting many parts of the community sector.
While these changes significantly impact participants and their families, they also matter for children’s community organisations that want to be inclusive of neurodivergent children.
For organisations running classes, programs, or activities, this is a good time to pause and reflect on inclusion.
Thriving Kids – Coming July 2026
The Australian Government is developing a new program called Thriving Kids, which is intended to provide early, community-based supports for children aged 8 years or younger with mild to moderate developmental needs, including those with autism. This change means many services are expected to shift into mainstream and community settings from 2026.
This puts increased responsibility on community organisations to be inclusive, accessible and ready to support neurodivergent children well.
Inclusion Is About Systems, Not Individuals
Usually, neurodivergent exclusion doesn’t happen because people don’t care. It happens when policies, programs, or environments are not designed with difference in mind.
As external supports for our neurodivergent children change or are reduced, these inclusion gaps can become more visible.
Inclusion is strongest when it is built into:
Organisational policies
Program design
Physical and sensory environments
Clear guidance and training for staff and volunteers
Where Organisations May Feel Pressure
Changes to the NDIS can create extra challenges for community groups, even if they are not NDIS providers.
You may notice:
Programs that are feeling harder to manage
Staff that are unsure how to support neurodivergent children
Environments that overwhelm or exclude some children
Inclusion relying on individual effort instead of clear systems
Over time, this can limit the access and participation of our neurodivergent children.
Why Now Is a Good Time to Review Inclusion
Times of change can show us what is working in our organisation, and what isn’t. Are you sure that your organisation is truly inclusive for neurodivergent children?
Helpful questions include:
Are our programs flexible enough for different needs?
Do our systems support inclusion, or rely on “workarounds”?
Are staff given clear guidance and support?
Reviewing inclusion now can reduce stress later and support everyone involved.
How EPIC Can Support Organisations
EPIC Inclusion Consulting supports children’s community organisations, not families.
Support may include:
Inclusion audits to review policies, processes, and environments
Program reviews of a single program, class or activity
Consult calls to talk through challenges or next steps
The focus is on practical, realistic improvements that fit your organisation.
Inclusion During Change Matters
NDIS systems may continue to change, but one thing stays the same: Neurodivergent children belong in community spaces.
Strong inclusion systems help organisations:
Support staff with confidence
Reduce barriers to participation
Create welcoming, sustainable programs
Inclusion doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right support, it becomes part of everyday practice, and everyone wins.
