SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Missouri is making a move to increase access to services for more children with autism. On Thursday, Gov.Jay Nixon ceremonially signed a bill that had support from both Republicans and Democrats in the Missouri Legislature this year. Even in a tight budget year, Nixon says helping Missouri families deal with autism is a priority.

Nixon signed the legislation at the Burrell Autism Center. It directs an additional $750,000 towards autism services.

We are in this for the long haul. As science moves forward and a greater number of those on the spectrum come to light, we are going to need to continue to evolve both in the care and treatment and the resources we provide for that, Nixon told reporters.

The Missouri Department of Mental Health provides autism services to 2,500 families. The services help with skill development and give training for families. The appropriations bill, HB2010, signed by Nixon extends services to about 375 more children in the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.

That includes families like the Opfers.

I think we noticed from the beginning something was different. We had a lot of sensory issues. We did not know what a sensory processing disorder was, said Dana Opfer.

Their son Ian, has autism.

It's important for parents to know that there is funding available for resources that are not covered by insurance,

This additional funding will shorten the waiting line for families seeking help.

Putting these additional dollars in will help families deal with the challenges of autism, the governor said.

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Families of kids with autism appreciate added state funding