Manitoba adds $5 million for children’s autism services

Manitoba is investing $5 million in St.Amant’s autism services for children to help meet demand and reduce waitlists. The funding is part of $30 million in autism-specific supports in Budget 2026.

• St.Amant will expand case management, early intervention and behavioural supports, including changes to its Early Learning Program for preschool-aged children.
• The province will accept autism diagnoses from community pediatricians, with the aim of reducing diagnostic wait times, especially for children in First Nations, rural and northern communities.
• A new 24-hour respite home will offer overnight stays and therapy programs for children with complex care needs. Once all three respite homes are fully operational, they will support up to 35 families.

The government says it will share further details on improving access to adult autism services later this year.