Manitoba is putting five million dollars toward expanding children’s autism services through St. Amant.

The province says the funding will help reduce waitlists and improve access to early intervention, behavioural supports and case management.

Changes to St. Amant’s Early Learning Program will also allow more preschool-aged children to receive support each year.

The province is also accepting autism diagnoses from community pediatricians to help families access services sooner.

The government says that change is particularly important for children in First Nations communities and rural and northern Manitoba.