On the hunt for an dynamic speaker and autism expert with a powerful story of overcoming the odds?
Seeking a self-advocate to speak to the challenges and opportunities of life on the autism spectrum?
Searching for a compassionate presenter with a unique blend of wisdom, humor, and insight?
Enter: Ron Sandison.
Every year in America, over sixty thousand families receive the diagnosis that their precious son or daughter has an autism spectrum disorder. With diagnosis at such an alarming rate, how can parents be equipped to confidently raise children with autism? And how can individuals with autism thrive and step into their full potential?
Ron Sandison is uniquely equipped to address these pressing questions, having lived into the answers for four decades.
As he says in his I AM ABLE video:
Never allow autism to hold you back, because even if you have a major disability like autism, you’re able to do awesome things with the help of people who believe you are able. That’s why autism needs to be refined, not cured.
Ron is the founder of Spectrum, with a mission of empowering young adults with autism for employment and independence. He works full time in the medical field and serves as a professor of theology at Destiny School of Ministry. He also volunteers as an advisory board member of the Autism Society of America Faith Initiative.
He has had articles published with The Detroit News, The Oakland Press, Awana, The Autism Society of America blog, Autism Speaks blog, Not Alone, The Mighty, Autism File Magazine, and many more. On April 5, 2015, Charisma House is publishing his book, A Parent’s Guide to Autism: Practical Advice. Biblical Wisdom.
As a speaker, Ron offers his signature blend of storytelling, encouragement, and perspective for parent groups, autism non-profits, and advocacy organizations. If your group needs an energetic, personable presenter, contact Ron today.
Testimonials:
Finally the world is starting to realize the many strengths and gifts that individuals with ASD can offer. Ron is a perfect example of the great intelligence we often see in those on the autism spectrum. – Lynn Kern Koegel, PhD, Director, Koegel Autism Center, University of California, Santa Barbara
If the world fears the diagnosis of autism, then Ron Sandison’s prescription helps us discover instead how those across the autistic spectrum are variously gifted instruments of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s redemptive work in the world. – Dr. Amos Yong, Professor of Theology & Missions at Fuller Theological, Seminary and author of The Bible, Disability, and the Church: A New Vision of the People of God
Brimming with insight and compassion, Ron Sandison is a wonderful story-teller. Just like Jesus told stories, Ron uses stories that you won’t forget as a way of conveying important concepts and principles about autism. He weaves together his strong Christian faith with his understanding of his own autism and the lives of others on the autism spectrum. – Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, International Autism Consultant, author of best-selling book Visual Strategies for Improving Communication
Is My Group A Good Fit?
Ron’s speaking skills benefit the following groups:
- Non-profit groups providing services to individuals with autism and their families
- Companies working toward inclusion of people with autism in the workplace
- Faith-based groups that support and welcome individuals with autism in their communities
- Advocacy groups that raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders
- Parent support groups
- Self-advocacy groups
Possible Talk Topics Include:
- My Story: One Man’s Journey with Autism
- A Parents’ Guide to Autism: Practical Advice, Biblical Wisdom
- How Employers and Businesses Can Become More Autism-Friendly
- Autism Inspirations; Redefining Autism On Our Own Terms
- Autism and Faith; Biblical Principles for Advocacy
Official Bio:
Ron Sandison is the founder of Spectrum, with a mission of empowering young adults with autism for employment and independence. He works full time in the medical field and serves as a professor of theology at Destiny School of Ministry. He also volunteers as an advisory board member of the Autism Society of America Faith Initiative.
Sandison has bachelor’s degrees in psychology and theology as well as a Master’s of Divinity from Oral Roberts University; he graduated with highest honors and a 3.95 GPA.
Ron has had articles published with The Detroit News, The Oakland Press, Awana, The Autism Society of America blog, Autism Speaks blog, Not Alone, The Mighty, Autism File Magazine, and many more. On April 5, 2015, Charisma House is publishing his book, A Parent’s Guide to Autism: Practical Advice. Biblical Wisdom.
Ron and his wife Kristen reside in Rochester Hills, MI, with their pet rabbit Babs and their cat Frishma.