The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conceded in court Thursday childhood vaccines worsened an underlying disorder that led to autism-like symptoms in a Georgia girl.

The Polings, of Atlanta, sued the government for money from a federal fund that compensates people injured by vaccines. Though the court did not make an actual ruling, the government agreed to pay the family. U.S. officials continue to reject the idea that vaccines cause autism in general. They say Polings? case was an exception.

Nevertheless, the admission has Long Island doctors and parents continuing to debate the possible link between the disorder and vaccinations.

Doug DeRosa, of Huntington Station, is the parent of an autistic child. He says the government?s concession is a small victory. DeRosa says his son Nicholas was developing normally until he received vaccinations at 18 months. He says the change in his son?s behavior after the shots was sudden and dramatic.

Huntington-based pediatrician Dr. Bruce Gerber attributes the recent increase in autism cases not to a vaccine preservative, as the Polings contend, but to an extension of the autism spectrum. However, he says everyone can agree that more research is needed.

AP wire reports contributed to this article.

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