The seventh born child of a family of 10 children, Ron grew up on working farms with his parents and 7 siblings. Ron was formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD in July, 2016.  He is enrolled in the Self Advocate Trainee program at the Center for Disabilities and Development at the University of Iowa.  After reading an essay for Writers Gone Public at Prairie Lights Bookstore in May, 2016, Ron was encouraged by a friend to share more of his story. Since then, he has become more open to sharing his struggles with ASD in hopes that it will broaden the understanding of what it is like to live with autism.

Ron shares his piece in the This Is My Brave Iowa City 2018 show.