COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A state advocacy group for people with disabilities has filed a complaint asking a federal court to prevent the enforcement of new rules that would reduce or eliminate services for autistic children.

The Ohio Legal Rights Service filed the complaint in U.S. District Court Friday on behalf of the Parents' League for Effective Autism Services, a group of families receiving Medicaid services.

The complaint requests a temporary restraining order and injunctive relief prohibiting the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Mental Health from enforcing rules proposed by Gov. Ted Strickland.

A state legislative panel approved the rules in February to bring Ohio's program into compliance with federal Medicaid regulations.

The changes are to take effect July 1.

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