In an effort to protect children with autism — especially those prone to wandering — some communities are erecting signs to alert passersby of their presence.

The yellow diamond-shaped street signs, which say “child with autism area,” are similar to those traditionally used to warn drivers of neighborhood children with hearing or visual impairments.

In Amherst, N.Y., town officials are responding to requests for more autism signs after one was posted a few years ago. A handful of additional signs are being placed in area neighborhoods and families can apply for one to be placed near their home.

Parents say the signs are critically important since many with autism have a tendency to wander but don’t always fully grasp the dangers of street traffic.

“It’s truly a safety issue,” one town official told YNN Buffalo. To read more click here.

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