A small act of kindness is making a huge difference for the family of Ali Harris.
People living in South Roxana, Illinois, may see a new sign the next time they go to one of their parks. Ali's six-year-old son Kyren is non-verbal and has autism. She said she wanted to put up an "Autistic Child Area" sign in the area since she bought a house of her own in South Roxana so that Metro East people would stop speeding down her street.
According to Harris, autistic children don't see the danger. She added that when autistic kids see a car, they don't see the vehicle as dangerous and fast. What they see in the car are its wheels, as that can be visually stimulating for them. That draws them in, and not out, meaning they can encounter an unfortunate accident on the streets.
Ali asks the South Roxana police chief for help in installing sign
Another major reason for Ali wanting the sign in the area is that the Harris family lives right across the street from a South Roxana park. Harris and her autistic son spend nearly daily playing outside their home. The sign will help tell other parents in the neighborhood what they might expect at the park.
Harris said some might see her kid is not talking and will assume that is why they are not talking. She added that if her kid is trying to talk to them, she can probably explain to her kid what is going on. According to Ali, it is not awkward for her to explain her son's condition to other children.
While Harris was working her job at a restaurant, she saw South Roxana Police Chief Bob Coles walk in. She grabbed the chance to ask Coles if it was possible to put up an "Autistic Child Area" sign outside her house. Chief Coles made sure the sign was put up within days.
Mom said sign is a big help for their family
Coles said he honestly did not give it two thoughts when she told him about it. He added that he knew he was going to do it. Coles said the sign not only helps Harris, but it could help first responders in the future if something unfortunate happens.
Coles explained that if they get pulled up to a scene and see the sign outside of a house, it will make them think twice if they go in there. He added that they had issues with 15 and 16-year-old kids in the past who are non-verbal, and the cop was not aware of that at the time. He said it could create some tense moments.
Ali told News 4 that being a parent to an autistic child can sometimes feel lonely, but this sign has finally allowed her to feel seen.
