Autism report discussed during Philadelphia City Council hearing

There are more than 100 initiatives in Philadelphia trying to serve people with autism.

A new report put together at the request of City Councilman Dennis O’Brien says there is room for improvement. Karen Krivitt is a training and resource specialist at Elwyn, a nonprofit that serves children and adults with disabilities. Krivitt says people don’t know how families struggle dealing with autism.

“Imagine your child doesn’t talk, he doesn’t notice when you call his name, he puts coins and paper in his mouth he bangs his head and doesn’t know when he is injured,” Krivitt said.

Attorney Jackie Gallagher says she didn’t want to move from Philadelphia so she worked to improve services for her pre-schooler.

“It requires a lot more work, it it requires people to think outside the box and it requires people to challenge the status quo,” Gallagher said. 

City Councilman O’Brien says the report strives to encourage better care and services for those living with autism.