Kids like Lenny need AEIOU.
It’s often the only place for them.
Since changes to NDIS funding in 2024, children diagnosed with level 3 autism have lost access to critical early intervention services. For many families, this has meant the difference between getting the right help—and losing it altogether.
At AEIOU, we’re seeing the devastating impact firsthand. Families who finally found a place where their child could learn, grow, and be understood are now facing impossible choices. Some are reducing their child’s attendance. Others have had to withdraw completely because their NDIS funding no longer covers the cost of care.
Your generosity will ensure children continue to access the therapy, education, and the care they need—when they need it most. You’re helping families stay strong through uncertainty, and giving children with autism the best possible start in life. Because early intervention changes everything and every child deserves care.
With the holiday season upon us, we welcome the Government's update on the Thriving Kids initiative.
We are proud to see AEIOU Foundation's submission acknowledged in the newly released No Child Left Behind: Report into the Thriving Kids initiative, and we remain committed to advocating for children and families to ensure no child is left behind as the program is developed and rolled out.
The report recognises the critical role of evidence-based, early, and equitable supports for children with developmental delay and autism—and the importance of drawing on the expertise of organisations with deep experience working alongside families.
Our CEO, Dr Rosa Flaherty, said:
"AEIOU welcomes the focus on early, equitable, and evidence-based supports for children and families. We look forward to being part of the further development of Thriving Kids, contributing our more than 20 years of expertise, advocacy on behalf of families, and ongoing investment in autism research to help ensure the initiative delivers meaningful outcomes for children with autism across Australia.
"We are pleased to see our submission referenced—particularly in relation to our caution against use of broad diagnostic labels due to failure to reflect functional needs, the need to build a tiered interconnected model, and concern about the loss of vital supports for children during any transition process from NDIS to Thriving Kids."
We thank the Committee for its work and for listening to the voices of families, providers, and people with lived experience. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with governments to ensure no child is left behind.
Begin your journey at AEIOU
Children with autism living their best lives
If your child has a new or suspected autism diagnosis, you must have lots of questions. Here, some of our families share their experiences and tell us what the support they receive at AEIOU Foundation looks like, and what it means to them.
Let us support you
At AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism
We understand how important it is to feel well-supported while navigating these early days.
Our team around the child offers a combination of supports in a long day care setting to help children learn across multiple domains, like speech and communication, self-care and independence, behaviour, and early childhood education.
At AEIOU, every child is respected, and so is their right to learn and grow in a safe and happy environment, to participate in a community and to be truly included. That happens when children are valued for being who they are and their needs and strengths are embraced. At AEIOU, we support each child to overcome the disabling aspects of autism and build on their strengths so they can live their best life.
Contact our friendly team today Expression of Interest Frequently Asked Questions
Approved service provider
The NDIS and AEIOU
AEIOU is an NDIS-approved service provider. Our team can assist your family in navigating the NDIS during the early years of your child's autism diagnosis. We’re committed to working with partners within the NDIS and referring practitioners to educate them about AEIOU's therapy and care service and the outcomes children experience at AEIOU.
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