{
  "id": 11654662,
  "title": "'Makes my brain explode': families fear NDIS changes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/makes-my-brain-explode-families-fear-ndis-changes",
  "topic": null,
  "section": null,
  "published": "2026-10-01T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Discovered",
    "slug": "discovered",
    "url": "https://westernadvocate.com.au/story/9361285/makes-my-brain-explode-families-fear-ndis-changes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Steven Bugeja, a father of four children with autism, worries about the upcoming changes to the NDIS. He believes that if he had access to the support his kids receive during his own childhood, his life would be very different. Mr. Bugeja's kids currently receive assistance for various therapies and activities through the NDIS. However, he is unsure about the changes that will take place when the scheme undergoes its largest overhaul. The new \"Thriving Kids\" plan, which began rolling out on Thursday, aims to care for autistic and developmentally-delayed children aged eight or younger with low-to-moderate support needs. But there is still a lot of uncertainty about who will take care of these children after they turn eight. The federal government will contribute $2 billion, while states will contribute $4 billion over five years to fund the plan. The changes include launching an information platform and autism helpline, as well as halving budgets for community participation. While some advocates see potential in the \"Thriving Kids\" plan as a significant improvement in caring for certain children, the speed of the changes has raised doubts about what the scheme can achieve. Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed confidence in the reforms, stating that they will leave the NDIS more sustainable.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}