An estimated 30,000 children in New York are afflicted by autism spectrum disorders, such as Asperger's and Rett's disorder, that affect social skills and learning abilities.

"When government steps up to ensure a brighter future for such children ... this, to me, is government with its priorities in order," Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said at the bill-signing ceremony at the Capitol.

Cost estimates for insurers, and ultimately policyholders, vary, but the legislation's fiscal impact statement said insurance expenses overall would rise one-half of one percent. The note said other states with similar laws have seen "very modest" cost increases.

The legislation, signed into law today by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, was approved unanimously by both legislative houses in June.

"Over many years, you'll find the payback will be substantial," said Robert Wright, founder of Autism Speaks, a national group that has been pushing the legislation in New York for seven years. He said schools in the state will see student performance rise as a result of the new law.

The legislation won't take effect for a year. It expands coverage for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Advocates say families can spend $50,000 in out-of-pocket expenses to care for children with the disorders — care now to be covered by insurers.

The bill states that coverage can be subject to annual deductibles and co-payments, but not out of the ordinary when compared to insurance charges for other benefits. A different version of the bill that passed in 2010 was estimated to result in a 2 percent increase on overall insurance premiums. Then-Gov. David A. Paterson vetoed that bill.

Cuomo called the new law "a burden the insurance companies can carry." He said the new measure caps at about $45,000 per person per year the financial exposure that insurance companies will face for the autism-related coverage.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says there is no cure for autism-related disorders, but that children, with treatment, can progress and learn new skills. Experts say early diagnosis is key to helping improve conditions for children afflicted with autism. The group says one in 110 children has an autism disorder. The physicians group recommended all children between 18 to 24 months be screened for autism spectrum disorders.