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‘Autistic Child In Area’ Signs Could Save A Life

In the summer of 2024, a nightmare came to life when my daughter, Soa, was almost knocked down by a car traveling down Beach 96th Street. Thankfully, the driver, an elderly man, was not speeding, and by God’s grace, he came to a screeching halt, and just lightly tapped my daughter’s thigh. My daughter got up and continued to skip across the street with me chasing her. The man started shouting: “What’s wrong with you! Watch where you are going!” With my heart pounding out of my chest, eyes welling up with tears—I explained to him that she is autistic and nonverbal. His demeanor immediately softened, and he apologized. He even shared that he has friends with autistic children. This is why after seeing, “Autistic Child In The Area,” signs in Lynbrook, Long Island and other neighborhoods in Nassau and Suffolk counties, I immediately probed the idea of getting these signs installed in Rockaway and Broad Channel. I contacted Ciara Donley of Councilwoman Joann Ariola’s office, and without skipping a beat, the councilwoman developed a bill, “Intro 46,” that would let parents of autistic children request road signs from the city to let motorists know that autistic children live in a neighborhood. However, to my utter consternation, at a City Council hearing held last Tuesday, October 27, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn, referred to these potentially lifesaving signs as “clutter” that would come at a financial cost to the city. As Councilwoman Ariola shared in a statement on Facebook: “What is the cost of saving the life of a child? Does a young life also have a price tag, Commissioner? This is completely unacceptable. Do better, DOT.” To hear Commissioner Flynn’s remarks, visit: Joann Ariola NYC Council District 32 on Facebook or https://x.com/JoannAriola32/status/2115092282978251028.

New York, NY · 2d