Ava's Law expected to be signed by Gov. Nathan Deal soon

ATLANTA (AP) Gov. Nathan Deal is expected to sign a bill before month's end making Georgia the 41st state to mandate insurance coverage for children with autism.

Mississippi and South Dakota passed autism insurance mandates in the past few weeks, requiring companies to offer autism coverage as part of their insurance plans for employees.

Georgia's bill, which will be known as Ava's Law after Deal signs it, is named for a 10-year-old from the small town of Lyons whose parents have spent many thousands of dollars out of pocket for therapy for their daughter.

Ava's mother says the little girl is now "indistinguishable'' from other children her age and that autism therapy works.