Patrick signs landmark autism bill

BOSTON -- Governor Deval Patrick signed landmark legislation into law Tuesday, making autism treatments more affordable for families.

Before the bill, families were responsible for paying for medicine and therapy. Now, part of the new bill requires health insurance companies provide coverage for early and intensive interventions.

“We can make the Commonwealth stronger for a generation or two to come,” Patrick said.

Rep. Barbara L'Italian is just one of the lawmakers who pushed for new legislation.

She has also dealt with autism first hand; her 20-year-old son has the disorder.

"And as you all know, when we all start out on this journey... not something that's going away." 16.19

Other parents who were at Fenway for the bill signing saod this bill needed to be passed.

Linday Foley has two autistic sons and one of them also has cerebral palsy.

"Every expense is a juggle of all the children's needs and I can't let this one slip through the cracks either, so it's a wonderful day,” Foley said.

The bill also includes making diagnostic tests essential for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Some parents and activists can't wait for the new law to go into effect.

Massachusetts is the twenty-third state to adopt this type of legislation.

The new law takes effect January 1, 2011.

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