09/01/2026
Ron Davis’ obituary - what a legend! I am so very proud to be part of the movement to keep his genius work alive and well for future generations to come!
The extraordinary legacy of Ron Davis continues worldwide.
Ronald “Ron” Dell Davis, 84, of Burlingame, California, a pioneering figure in the fields of dyslexia and autism, passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2026, after a brief illness, with his wife of 52 years, Alice, by his side.
Ron devoted his life to challenging conventional ideas about dyslexia, autism, intelligence, and human potential. Drawing from his own experiences with autism and dyslexia, he developed innovative, strengths-based approaches that have helped transform the way thousands of individuals and families understand learning differences and autism.
His groundbreaking work in dyslexia began decades ago and led to the development of the Davis Methods, including mastery programs for dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, and autism. His landmark book, The Gift of Dyslexia, published in 1994, became an international bestseller, selling over one million copies and being translated into more than 20 languages. He later authored The Gift of Learning, followed by his autobiography, Dummy, and co-authored Autism and the Seeds of Change with Abigail Marshall.
In 1995, Ron and Alice founded Davis Dyslexia Association International to train facilitators in his methods and ensure that his work could reach people far beyond his own practice. What began with Ron’s pioneering ideas grew into an international community of licensed facilitators serving individuals and families in more than 40 countries and 30 languages.
Ron’s work in autism was especially close to his heart. The Davis Autism Approach® grew from his unique understanding of autism and his belief that people on the spectrum should be supported through approaches that recognize their strengths, build understanding, and help them participate fully in the lives they choose. His work has touched thousands of individuals with autism and their families around the world.
Ron’s influence extended far beyond his books and programs. He challenged the assumption that dyslexia and autism defined what a person could learn or accomplish. He encouraged people to look beyond limitations and recognize possibilities, and he inspired generations of facilitators to carry that vision forward.
Ron often said that all things truly powerful are truly simple and his work reflects that.
Ron leaves behind not only his wife, Alice and his family, but an international community of facilitators, colleagues, friends, clients, and countless people whose lives were touched by his work. His legacy lives on in the programs he created, the books he wrote, and, most importantly, in the people who continue to believe that every individual has possibilities beyond what others may see.
Ron is survived by Alice; his sons, Ray and Philip; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren, and his younger brother Keith.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ron Davis Autism Foundation, 50 Woodside Plaza, Unit 520, Redwood City, CA 94061 or electronically via the Ron Davis Autism Foundation Charity page: https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/3926848
