Apr 21, 2017 2 min read

MATHER – Gina Hutchinson has been living with a greater peace of mind for months now after Morgan Township officials put up road signs on her street, bringing awareness to motorists about her autistic 5-year-old son.

“People have slowed down for the most part,” she said. “It seems people are watching for kids more.”

Hutchinson said she noticed last year drivers speeding passed her home on Fifth Street in Mather. She said speed would be concerning for any parent, but especially for her son, Landon. She said autistic children can often take off running or make unpredictable movements drivers may be unprepared for.

“Autistic children are known for darting,” she said. “He’s never unsupervised but anything can happen in a split second.”

She went to the township in July asking for signs to be put up to warn drivers to use caution near her home. By the fall, township Supervisor Jim Gayman ordered two signs and put them up 50 feet from the Hutchinson’s home on either side. They are yellow diamond signs that read “Caution autistic child in area.”

Now that it’s April – Autism Awareness Month – Hutchinson is speaking out about the “tremendous” difference the signs have made. She said people have slowed down and seem to be more cautious when driving in the area.

“It makes me feel better,” she said. “With autism, it’s all about the awareness and autistic parents and children need to know that people are aware of them. I want other parents to know that it’s possible for these signs to be put up.”

Hutchinson said she was thankful to the township for their willingness to install the signs because there are other autistic children in her neighborhood.

“My husband Chad and I have always pushed to try to advocate for the people in our area with autistic children,” she said.