During a recent government meeting, community advocate Aurora Benache raised significant concerns regarding the proposed development of an auto care center adjacent to Action Behavior Centers (ABC), a facility dedicated to providing applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Benache emphasized that the proximity of the auto repair shop poses environmental risks that could adversely affect the health and welfare of the children receiving care at ABC.

Benache highlighted that children with ASD are particularly sensitive to sensory input, making them vulnerable to the loud noises and potential toxic emissions associated with an auto repair facility. She explained that sounds which may seem inconsequential to neurotypical individuals can be distressing for children with autism, leading to heightened anxiety and challenging behaviors. This sensitivity, known as hyperacusis, can trigger severe reactions, including increased heart rates and maladaptive behaviors.

The advocate also pointed out that the outdoor playgrounds at ABC and nearby Mid City Scholars would expose children to harmful chemicals and noise pollution, further compromising their well-being. Research indicates that exposure to environmental contaminants can detrimentally affect the immune and nervous systems of children with ASD, exacerbating their existing challenges.

Benache's testimony underscored the need for careful consideration of the developmental and environmental impacts of the proposed auto care center, urging city officials to prioritize the health and safety of vulnerable populations in their planning decisions. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on the implications of such developments in proximity to facilities serving children with special needs.