Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm

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Ron Malcolm

Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm is an Assistant Director of Special Education for a public school district, an Associate Faculty Member with the University of Phoenix, and a Special Graduate Faculty member at the University of Kansas. He has bachelor’s degrees in English and Special Education. He holds Master-level Degrees in Counseling, Special Education, and School Administration. His Doctorate Degree is from Northern Arizona University in Educational Leadership. His Post Graduate Degrees are in Positive Behavior Supports and Autism Spectrum Disorders. He has worked for the past 35 years with students between the ages of 3-21 with autism in various school and community-based settings.

My Child with Autism Has No Friends. What Can A Parent Do to Help

Many children with disabilities struggle to make friends at school, church, or within their neighborhoods. Children with autism are no different. Nothing hurts the heart of parents more than witnessing the social isolation that their child with autism may be experiencing daily. So, how can parents help? Here is a list of ten practical suggestions […]

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in Social Skills by Ron Malcolm

My Child With Autism Is Afraid To Have Vision Checked

Children with autism are no different than other children when it comes to the possibility of needing to get glasses. Many parents are aware of the possible behaviors associated with autism and their own children. Such behaviors as: poor eye contact, side viewing, photosensitivity, or even hand flapping are often viewed as part of having […]

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in Autism Solutions by Ron Malcolm

Meeting the Unique Needs of Your Child With Autism Who is Gifted

Determining the IQ level of a child with autism can be difficult. Diagnosis can be complicated as giftedness can be “masked” by the child`s autism. Seventy-five percent of people with autism score at 70 or below on intelligence tests and are therefore determined to be intellectually disabled. The other 25 percent presumably have average to […]

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in Education and Classroom by Ron Malcolm

The Many Ways Quarantine Can Impact Your Child with Autism

Children all over the world are currently involved in “lockdown” situations in their communities. How can you help your child with autism spectrum disorder and others deal with these situations more effectively? Electronic communication Not all students with autism have access to technology at home. As a parent, you should contact your child’s school principal […]

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in COVID-19 Coronavirus and Autism by Ron Malcolm

How Do I Talk to My Child With Autism About Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Recently, the majority of news reports and conversations seem to be centered on coronavirus as it spreads around the world. Here are ten simple tips to consider when explaining coronavirus with your child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) along with an excellent social story to foster understanding and help reduce anxiety. 1. Talk to Your […]

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in COVID-19 Coronavirus and Autism by Ron Malcolm

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ASL Offers New Opportunities for Communicating with Autism

American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most used foreign language in the United States. It ranks right behind Spanish and French, with approximately 2 million individuals in the United States utilizing it (Gallaudet University Library, 2016). How can this beautiful language be used to benefit the lives of children with autism? 1. Does Your […]

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in Communication Skills by Ron Malcolm

Starting the School Day Off Right on the Bus With a Special Needs Child

Many parents seem to focus on schoolteachers when preparing for the first day of school. However, the truth for many children is that the first person they encounter may not be their classroom teacher—but rather the school bus driver. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are no different. Ensuring this step goes smoothly is extremely […]

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in Autism Solutions by Ron Malcolm

How to Protect a Child With Autism From Sexual Abuse

Each day children wake up and get ready to attend school. During that process, every parent expects that their child will arrive back home in the same condition as when he/she left. Current estimates suggest that 1:3 girls and 1:10 boys will be sexually abused by the time they are 18 years old (Tang, Freyd, […]

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in Bullying by Ron Malcolm

Help: My Child With Autism Is Afraid to Go to the Dentist

Many children struggle with the idea of going to the dentist, but for children with autism, a trip to the dentist office can create anxiety and even panic. Here are some simple suggestions that may ease stress levels and make your dental visit a success. 1. Visual Schedules A visual schedule is a great way […]

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Ron Malcolm

My Brother Has Autism, And What About Me?

Family life is a challenge for many of us these days. Even with two parents in the home, it can still become a “juggling act” to meet all the needs for each child present. Yet, within the busy framework of family life, how often are the siblings without autism encouraged to sit down and express […]

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in Autism Solutions by Ron Malcolm