A Queens elected official is calling on the city to step up efforts to protect people with autism. NY1's Shannan Ferry filed the following report.
21-year-old Tori Marsh has autism.
Her mother and grandmother told NY1 that they always keep a close eye on her, but still fear what could happen if Tori ever manages to run into the street alone again.
More than a decade ago, she ran across Jamaica Avenue but was not hurt.
"Autistic children have no fear, they have no sense of safety, and a lot of times when you even call them back they don't listen," said Tori's mother, Cheryl Marsh.
State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder said for that reason, he's calling on the city to create 'Autistic Child Area' safety signs.
Alerts would be installed near schools, parks, and facilities that cater to people with autism, warning drivers to slow down and check their surroundings.
"When we're talking about special needs children, we have to make special precautions and putting additional signage will go a long way to increase driver awareness, increase pedestrian awareness, and keep our special children safe," Goldfeder said.
Andrew Baumann, who is the President & CEO of New York Families for Autistic Children, said that while many autistic children understand what different traffic signals mean they can't always apply that information in a real life situations.
"You could talk to them and say well what's a green light? And they'll say that's to go. And what's a red light? Oh that's to stop, but if they're walking and once they get to a corner, have tendencies to jet and run," Baumann explained.
Tori's grandmother Lorraine Gering agrees, and hopes that warning signs are installed.
"If there's one thing that can be done, why not? To alleviate you know, some concerns," said Gering.
A spokesperson from the Department of Transportation said they have received Assemblyman Goldfeder's request for signage, and are in the process of reviewing it.