Insurance companies regulated in Georgia are now required to cover autism treatment in children through age 6 with the signing of “Ava’s Law” by Gov. Nathan Deal.

The new law, which caps coverage at $30,000 annually, would mostly affect small businesses because health policies of larger companies fall under the purview of the federal government which does not have such a mandate.

Anna Bullard, whose daughter Ava is the namesake for the law, has been advocating for the change for seven years after Ava’s diagnosis at age 2. The family paid out of pocket for intensive therapy and now, at age 10, Ava is a thriving, well-spoken fifth-grader.

“If kids don’t access treatment, it means they can’t speak; it means that their parents can’t take them on vacation; it means they can’t participate in school,” she tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish.

It’s an issue that has divided the state House and Senate for years.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle thanked Deal and House members for finally coming on board with the bill that was that chamber’s number one priority this session.

“It’s more than just a law, it is the ability to have the tools available to change lives for so many individuals that are going to need it,” he says.  “This truly is a historical day.”

Deal, who has been touched this session by issues dealing with children with disabilities including those with seizure disorders, became emotional once again with the signing of the bill.

“I think we all have a soft spot in our heart for those children and for their families, and I’m glad the state could take some action to help it a little bit (and) make it a little easier,” he says.

Deal says one in 64 children in Georgia are affected by autism.  That number jumps to one in 39 for boys.

“Intervening at an early age can also avoid costs later… to both the families and the state of Georgia,” he says.

Bullard is hopeful the law will eventually be expanded to include coverage for all children with autism though age 18.