Dr. Ron Malcolm holds a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Flagstaff, Arizona. He is an Assistant Director of Special Education for a local school district. He is also an Associate Faculty member at the University of Phoenix and a Special Graduate Faculty member at the University of Kansas. He has been serving the educational needs of children with autism for the past 36 years.
Many children will approach their parents in hopes of getting a pet. Children with autism are no different. Busy parents raising an autistic child may wonder why they would want to introduce an additional responsibility into their home while trying to juggle all of the needs of their child. Here are 11 ways adding a […]
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Many parents initially struggle when given the news their child has autism. Other parents are relieved there is an actual name for the situation they face every day with their child. Parents with autistic children have the same hopes and dreams for their children as other parents have. However, many parents struggle to know whether […]
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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