Reconsidering the Autism Spectrum by Ronit Molko – this is a must watch TedTalk


Ronit takes a critical look at autism and the autism services industry and identifies opportunities for the advancement of services and business. Dr Ronit Molko is a dynamic senior executive and entrepreneur recognized for combining strategic vision and technical expertise to drive business initiatives.

In 2001, Dr. Molko cofounded Autism Spectrum Therapies Inc. (AST) in California, which grew into a highly respected, multi-state provider of services for individuals on the autism spectrum. In 2014, she sold her company to Learn It Systems, a private equity backed strategic buyer, and served as President of Autism Services for the combined family of companies until early 2016. Today, as CEO and Principal of Empowering Synergy, Dr. Molko conducts due diligence for investors and consults as an expert in the field of service delivery for healthcare, with a special focus on behavioral healthcare and companies that provide services to families affected by autism and developmental disabilities.

In 2018, she released her latest work, “Autism Matters: Empowering Investors, Providers and the Autism Community to Advance Autism Services” published by ForbesBooks in which she takes a critical look at the autism services industry and identifies opportunities for advancement of services and business.

A graduate of Harvard Business School’s three-year Owner/President Management program, Dr. Molko holds a Ph.D. in Applied Behavioral Science and Family Life from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in Psychology from Claremont Graduate University. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in both California and Washington, and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Molko is currently a board member of the Galt Foundation, which places individuals with disabilities in the workforce, and the Los Angeles Chapter of the Autism Society of America.

She has been actively involved in many healthcare-based committees and organizations throughout her career and has received multiple awards in recognition of her business prowess and leadership abilities. Most recently, she was recognized with a 2017 Woman of Influence Award by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.