Davis Autism Approach® Program
How Others See It
People with autism struggle to make sense of the world around them. They have difficulty understanding and communicating with others. Those on the spectrum do not like to socialize. Everyday activities and interactions are strange and difficult. There is a range of difficulties that is experienced by individuals from high functioning to non-communicative, hence the term spectrum.
How We See It
“What inspired me to help others with autism is that I am myself autistic. I know what it feels like and I know the limitations that exist as a result of it. I realized that, given I had found my own way through this chaos (of autism), that I could provide a map for others of my kind to follow–then there would be value in my existence. The Davis Autism Approach is my best effort at providing that map.”
– Ron Davis, Founder of Davis Autism Approach
Only known program for Autism designed by an Autistic individual. Trained as an Engineer he has developed a program to allow individuals to reach their full potential through gentle and respectful instruction, with the aim not to simply conform to neurotypical norms but to understand them. From there individuals can decide how they want to engage in relationships that allow them to flourish. Through this process people are better able to understand their own true voice and let their personality shine.
Nothing needs to be ‘fixed’ about these individuals.
They are BRILLIANT people in their own right.
We are confident that all individuals will be able to reach their true potential, through the use of strategies and learning new methods. What those with autism do require are methods and strategies that they can employ so they can understand and communicate with ‘neurotypical’ people. Most people who are neurotypical have not been able to communicate with their loved ones on the spectrum in a way that shows an understanding of the world people with autism experience. Ron Davis’ work has been able to provide a road map for individuals on the spectrum to use which enables them to explain their ideas and thoughts, opening up a line of communication between them and those in their lives.
We know that many on the spectrum crave social interaction, but are overwhelmed by the nuances of socialization. They want to be more sociable but are overcome by anxiety and fear, which causes them to withdraw from social settings. It’s not that they don’t want to be sociable – it’s that it is too confusing for them. That’s where the Davis Autism Approach® provides the understanding of the rules of socialization.
Autism and Social Relationship Programs
Many autistic people and advocates prefer identity-first language, because it indicates that being autistic is an inherent part of a person’s identity. Ron Davis himself also uses identity-first language, for the very same reason. We have chosen person-first language as we believe that we are all human beings first and foremost, no matter our diagnosis or experiences. We are all struggling in our own way to figure out life on this planet. As Ernest Gaines shares “We all have much more in common than we have difference. I would say that [is true] about people all over the world. They don’t know how much in common they have.” We respect you if you have autism, if you don’t have autism, if you use identity-first language or if you use person-first language.
If you are unsure about whether you or your child might be on the spectrum, please check out
