A government autism support program is receiving praise for helping children, but reporting highlights concerns about what happens when participants reach the program’s age limit. Multiple outlets say some autistic children are effectively forced to leave the support arrangement at around nine years old, even though they are still young and may continue to need services. The coverage describes the situation as leaving autistic teens “caught in the middle,” with families facing uncertainty about whether alternative funding or supports are available after the program ends. The dispute centers on how NDIS-related funding and eligibility pathways operate for children as they grow older, and whether the transition to other services is adequate for ongoing needs. While acknowledging the benefits of the program during early childhood, the articles question the broader system for continuity of care, particularly for those who age out quickly. The reporting calls attention to potential gaps in support for older children and families navigating funding arrangements as eligibility changes.