Council restores autism funding

The City Council restored $1.25 million for its Autism Initiative when they passed the city’s 2012 fiscal year budget on June 30.
“The prevalence of autism has increased to epidemic proportions” said Councilmember Mark Weprin. “While there is no cure, quality services go a long way toward maximizing positive outcomes.”
The restored funding allows the initiative to continue to help families with autistic children. The initiative provides social and recreational services for autistic children in the city and helps to educate and train their families.
The initiative also provides childcare services for families, so they can work during the day.
Weprin led the charge to restore funding to the citywide initiative.
The City Council will designate monetary allocations to specified organizations under the initiative, according to council budget documents.