A respected educator offers advice for supporting your nonverbal child on the spectrum. It is not uncommon for a child with autism to present with a speech or communication concern. Many researchers believe as high as 40 percent of children with autism may be nonverbal. The following practical suggestions may help you to assist and

in Communication Skills by Ron Malcolm, EdD

A detailed overview of the different educational options available for children on the spectrum. It has often been said that if you’ve met one child with autism, then you have met one child with autism. Parents can easily become overwhelmed with trying to address all the needs of their child with autism.    Anxious parents often

in Education and Classroom by Ron Malcolm, EdD

An autism expert offers advice on what steps to take if you discover your child has difficulty hearing. So, you have just discovered your child with autism also has hearing loss. Now, you are left wondering what more could possibly be added to your plate? Take a breath and realize that this is just another

in Autism Health and Medical Info by Ron Malcolm, EdD

As a parent, you may wonder how you will approach the topic of menstruation with your daughter with autism. Here are 10 simple tips that may assist you with handling this very important conversation. 1. Start the conversation early Autism doesn’t affect when girls start their periods. However, your daughter with autism may take longer

in Autism Health and Medical Info by Ron Malcolm, EdD

Raising a child with autism and epilepsy can be challenging; here are 10 tips that can effectively help you, your family, and your child. Parents often feel overwhelmed when their child is diagnosed with autism. When their child receives a further diagnosis of epilepsy, those feelings may intensify. Currently, approximately one in 26 people will

in Autism Health and Medical Info by Ron Malcolm, EdD

April is Autism Awareness Month. Here are some ideas for how you can celebrate as a parent of a child with autism. Here are 10 easy, inexpensive suggestions for celebrating Autism Awareness Month that your child may be able to participate in. 1. Celebrate your teachers and therapists During the month of April, you and

in Autism Advocacy by Ron Malcolm, EdD

Many parents are currently having to make critical decisions on the education of their children with autism. Some students will be going to school full-time. Others will be staying home until parents feel it is safe for them to return to the classroom. Finally, some parents will be selecting a hybrid model for their child

in Education and Classroom by Ron Malcolm, EdD

The issue of racism has come strongly to the forefront of the news. More individuals are beginning to take a closer look at their own views surrounding issues associated with racism. Here are ten simple tips for explaining racism to your own child with autism: Don’t wait: Begin the conversation early It is not necessary

in Autism Parenting Advice by Ron Malcolm, EdD

Halloween can be a fun and exciting time of the year for many children. It can be a time of parties and candy. However, transitions between various activities and sudden changes in daily routines can be particularly upsetting for some children with autism. Parents, however, can help to alleviate some of these stresses by utilizing

in Social Skills by Ron Malcolm, EdD

Grandparents are an integral part of family dynamics. Children with autism need to realize the importance grandparents play in their lives. They need to see them as a resource for assistance and advice. Sense of family and belonging The presence of grandparents provides a child with autism a special sense of family and belonging in

in Autism Parenting Advice by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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

in Autism Parenting Advice by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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

in Social Skills by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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

in Autism Solutions by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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

in Education and Classroom by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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

in COVID-19 Coronavirus and Autism by Ron Malcolm, EdD

Children with autism can be taught how to enjoy assisting with meal preparation in the kitchen. Here is a list of ten ways your child can benefit by being involved with meal preparation. 1. Grow your own foodWhat better way to learn about various food items than to grow your own? Your child with autism can

in Autism Diet and Nutrition by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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

in Communication Skills by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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

in Autism Solutions by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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,

in Autism Safety by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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

in Autism Health and Medical Info by Ron Malcolm, EdD

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

in Autism Solutions by Ron Malcolm, EdD