ATLANTA (AP) — Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a bill into law that includes an insurance coverage requirement for children 6 and under.

Deal signed the bill, known as "Ava's Law" Wednesday, saying it's one of the most important pieces of legislation he's signed as governor. The bill is named in honor of Ava Bullard of Lyons, a 10-year-old with the disorder. Deal signed the law to the applause of legislators, parents and children with autism.

The bill also provides protection for patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses by prohibiting insurance carriers from dropping coverage or declining treatment.

The bill calls for children to be covered for up to $30,000 of therapy annually.