Hometown: Westerville, OH
Age on Race Day: 7
Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Early on in Ronan’s development, his parents noticed he wasn’t babbling or learning new words as expected for his age. His parents initially reached out to Help Me Grow, an organization that supports families with young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Ronan began in-home speech and occupational therapy twice a month.
After two more years of additional therapy Ronan was referred to the Child Development Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital, offering a wide range of services to address the developmental and behavioral needs of children, adolescents and families struggling with autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
It was here that Ronan received his diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Since his diagnosis, Ronan, now 7, has begun physical therapy weekly at Nationwide Children’s to work on leg strength and core stability in order to keep up with his peers. He will then move to occupational therapy to work on sensory integration, environmental adaptation and skill development.
In addition to these services, Ronan, who is non-verbal, is expecting to receive a speech generating device soon. This device uses both motor and learning principles to help patients develop planned and spontaneous communication. Ronan currently has access to this type of device through school, which also happens to be one of his favorite places. He loves riding the bus to and from school, as well as numbers and letters, especially alphabet books that have letters to touch. When not at school, Ronan loves playing with monster trucks and Hot Wheels.
