Thriving Kids referrals need a clear next step guide
A free guide for families, educators and health professionals
A referral is only useful if it leads to support a family can actually use. Too often, families leave an appointment with a service name but no real plan: the referral is still waiting for acceptance, the appointment times don’t work, or the program only covers part of what their child needs.
In this short guide, Redefini Therapies psychologist Dee Gough sets out practical questions that help everyone involved understand what happens next, who is responsible and what to do if the first option doesn’t fit.
What’s inside
Check what is available now
Thriving Kids is being rolled out in stages through to January 2028. Learn which questions help you find out what is actually operating today, rather than relying on a future start date.
Make the offer specific
Information, navigation, assessment, parent support and direct therapy all serve different purposes. Find out how to make sure a referral matches what your child really needs.
Confirm acceptance and plan for the wait
Sending a form isn’t the same as getting a place. See what a simple waiting plan should include so families aren’t left on their own.
Ask whether the family can use the support
Available isn’t always accessible. Consider times, travel, costs, sensory needs, communication preferences and what’s realistic for the family between appointments.
Agree who acts when the pathway stalls
Finish every handover with three things: the next action, the person who has agreed to take it, and a review date.
Who is this guide for?
Parents and carers navigating Thriving Kids or early developmental supports
Educators and kindergarten staff supporting families through referrals
GPs and allied health professionals looking for a clearer handover process
Grounded in research
The guide draws on the latest Australian Government rollout information and published research, including Australian parent experiences of developmental surveillance pathways (Eapen et al., 2022) and the REACH-ASD trial on caregiver support (Leadbitter et al., 2025).
Download your free guide:
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reaching out does not commit you to anything. It's an opportunity to ask questions and find out whether Redefini Therapies is a good fit. Helpful to bring: your referral question, any existing reports, and questions about fees & availability.
What to Bring?
To help your testing session run smoothly, please bring the following items with you: Water and Snacks, Aids and Supports, Reports and Documents, and Comfortable Clothing.
Want the full picture?
This is just a glimpse. The complete guide also answers frequently asked questions, including: "Can I fail the assessment?", "Will I definitely receive a diagnosis?", and "Can my report be used for NDIS?"
Redefini Therapies provides psychological assessment and therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Areas of clinical focus include autism, ADHD, intellectual functioning, learning, executive functioning, emotional wellbeing and the practical effects of disability and neurodivergence.
📞 07 3506 0140 | ✉️ admin@redefini.com.au | 🌐 www.redefini.com.au