Pieces For My Puzzle

What no one tells dads about autism parenting: you need support, connection, and space to be honest, too.+

In this episode of Pieces For My Puzzle, Nikki welcomes disability advocate, speaker, and author John Fela for a heartfelt conversation about raising a nonspeaking autistic son and finding his own place as a father and advocate.

John shares the uncertainty of the early diagnosis years, the pressures his family faced, and how searching for community led him to create opportunities for other dads to connect. He also reflects on the joy of simply being with his son—and why a meaningful bond doesn't have to look the way you once imagined.

Together, Nikki and John discuss caregiver stress, marriage, positive co-parenting, and the importance of protecting time for yourself and your relationships. John explains how his Christian faith has supported him while emphasizing that every parent needs community, whether or not faith is part of their life.

If a support group feels intimidating, start small. One conversation, one shared activity, or one person who understands can be a place to begin.

IN THIS EPISODE
• Finding connection with a nonspeaking autistic child
• Why dads may struggle to ask for support
• Building community through local groups, virtual meetups, and mentoring
• Making space for self-care, your partner, and the whole family
• Co-parenting and finding your own strengths as a parent
• John's memoir, Faith Like My Father, and the advice “don't panic”
• Empowering Autistic Voices in Education, a book John contributed to

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome and meet John Fela
02:01 The early years and his son's diagnosis
05:39 Finding faith and community
08:56 Connection, joy, and what his son has taught him
14:31 Becoming an advocate and building a dads' group
19:24 Support options and finding one person who understands
23:47 Family pressures and finding your role as a dad
29:52 Making self-care and couple time a priority
32:10 Encouragement for dads who feel alone
36:44 John's advocacy and connecting families with resources
38:32 Faith Like My Father and “don't panic”
40:28 Empowering Autistic Voices in Education
41:38 Thanks, connection details, and closing thoughts

CONNECT WITH JOHN FELA

Website and contact: https://johnfela.com/contact/
Books: https://johnfela.com/featured/
Faith Like My Father — publisher page and retailer links:
https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/faith-like-my-father

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Special Fathers Network:
https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/
Key Ministry: https://keyministry.org/
Rising Above Ministries: https://www.risingaboveministries.org/

CONNECT WITH PIECES FOR MY PUZZLE

Website: https://www.piecesformypuzzle.com/
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiecesForMyPuzzle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecesformypuzzle

Subscribe for more honest conversations and encouragement for autism families. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a dad or caregiver who could use some support.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What has helped you feel supported as a parent or caregiver?
Content note: Discussion of caregiver stress, divorce, and a parent's alcohol use.
#AutismParenting #SupportForDads #PiecesForMyPuzzle

What happens when a traditional nine-to-five simply doesn't fit your family's needs? And how do you care for yourself when someone else needs you around the clock?

Nikki Shipp welcomes Kymbirley Brake, founder of OC Tax Brake and a single mom raising an autistic daughter with complex medical and support needs. Kymbirley shares how helping other families during hospital stays grew into a tax and bookkeeping business built around caregiving—not the other way around.

This is a candid conversation about the parts of parenting that often go unspoken: exhaustion, loneliness, the guilt of taking a break, and the desire to be remembered even when you can't accept an invitation. Nikki and Kymbirley also discuss the challenges of transitioning out of school services, costly lessons in business, and planning for a child's financial future.

From advocacy and recordkeeping to year-round tax planning, Kymbirley explains how her caregiving experience shapes the way she supports her clients. Her closing encouragement is simple: you don't have to solve the next twenty years today. Start with one phone call, one form, or one appointment—and remember that your needs matter, too.

IN THIS EPISODE
• Creating a business that works around caregiving and therapy schedules
• Finding autism resources when families don't know where to turn
• Caregiver burnout, self-care, and the loneliness behind “never alone, always lonely”
• Why invitations and small gestures of connection matter
• The transition out of school services and lessons in hiring business support
• CalABLE, special needs trusts, conservatorship, and proactive tax planning as topics to explore with qualified professionals
• Taking the next step without trying to solve everything at once

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to Pieces For My Puzzle
00:57 Meet Kymbirley Brake
03:05 Her daughter's early diagnosis and family journey
04:50 Building a business around caregiving
10:14 Finding autism support and resources
12:50 Caregiver burnout and keeping going
16:12 Learning to prioritize self-care
22:38 Loneliness and why invitations matter
27:04 How caregiving skills translate to business
29:56 The adult-services transition and business lessons
35:10 Financial planning and proactive tax strategy
39:12 One step at a time—and remembering yourself
41:24 Connect with Kymbirley and closing thoughts

CONNECT WITH KYMBIRLEY

OC Tax Brake: https://www.octaxbrake.com/
Contact: https://www.octaxbrake.com/contact
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oc-tax-brake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octaxbrake/

Let Kymbirley know Nikki sent you!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC): https://autismcenter.org/
CalABLE: https://calable.ca.gov/

CONNECT WITH PIECES FOR MY PUZZLE

Website: https://www.piecesformypuzzle.com/
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiecesForMyPuzzle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecesformypuzzle

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and leave a comment: What is one small step you can take for yourself or your family this week?

Content note: Strong language and candid discussion of caregiver burnout, depression, medical crises, and a medication overdose.

This episode shares personal experiences and general information, not individualized medical, tax, financial, or legal advice. Eligibility and planning options vary; consult qualified professionals about your family's situation.

#AutismParenting #CaregiverSupport #PiecesForMyPuzzle

This episode shines a light on the power of self-regulation,
mindfulness, and daily practice as transformational tools for well-being. Join
us as Tam Taouss shares her wisdom, practical strategies, and real-life
experiences in Vedic Meditation and Breathwork—especially for parents and
caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent children.
Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking for fresh inspiration, you’ll walk
away with encouraging insights and actionable steps to bring more balance,
resilience, and self-compassion to your daily life.

Hear
    how Tam's dynamic entrepreneurial background and personal journey led her
    to become a leading voice in meditation, breathwork, and corporate
    wellness.

The
    Unfiltered Reality: The realities of raising an autistic daughter and
    why nervous system regulation matters so deeply for parents of
    neurodivergent children.

Regulation
    Before Strategy: Discover the science behind nervous system regulation
    and learn why healing yourself first is the ultimate key to successful
    co-regulation with your kids.

The
    Power of Vedic Meditation and Breathwork: Tam explains how these
    consistent daily practices build essential emotional resilience and help
    you navigate both internal and external chaos.

Simple
    Practices for Busy Parents: Practical, realistic strategies to manage
    stress, overwhelm, and burnout when you feel like you have nothing left to
    give.

Finding
    the Balance: Navigating the tension between supporting your child's
    delicate nervous system and advocating for the world to accommodate their
    needs.

Resources & How to Connect

Website:
    tamtaouss.com – Explore Vedic
    Meditation courses, breathwork sessions, and coaching/mentor programs.

Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/tamtaouss/
    – Follow Tam for daily inspiration, tips, and direct contact via DM.

Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579142199817
    – Stay updated with Tam’s latest events and wellness insights.

LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tam-taouss-711a4110b/
    – Connect for collaborations or professional inquiries.

Email:
    [email protected]

For more on emotional regulation, Vedic Meditation, and ways
to reclaim your daily calm, visit Tam’s website or reach out on social media.

Enjoying the show?

If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and
leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us
bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent
families. Thank you!

Connect With Us: 

§  Follow
us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

§  Email
us:  [email protected]

§  Learn
more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

§  Check
it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like,
share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to
share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with
you.

Are you a parent, teacher, or advocate wondering how to
support a bright child who struggles to read? In this episode, we sit down with
Meagan Sardana, a speech-language pathologist on a mission to change the
narrative around dyslexia. Meagan defines dyslexia as a specific learning
disability rooted in challenges with phonological and phonemic awareness—not a
measure of intelligence—and clears up the misconceptions that leave so many
capable kids overlooked. She shares why telling a struggling reader to "sound
it out" misses the mark, how audiobooks can build rich vocabulary and
language skills, and why the structured, multisensory Orton-Gillingham approach
works so well. We also explore the deep embarrassment, anxiety, and shame that
reading struggles can create, and how reframing the question to "What's
right with me?" can unlock the unique strengths many dyslexic thinkers
bring to the world.

Key Discussion Points:

Defining
    Dyslexia: Understanding dyslexia as a specific learning disability
    rooted in phonological and phonemic awareness—and the key difference
    between awareness of a language's sound system and the ability to
    manipulate individual speech sounds.

Why
    "Sound It Out" Falls Short: Why this common advice misses
    the mark, since decoding sounds is precisely what dyslexic brains struggle
    to do.

The
    Emotional Impact: How reading struggles can lead to deep
    embarrassment, anxiety, and shame that often persist into adulthood—and
    how reframing to "What's right with me?" builds confidence.

The
    Strengths of Dyslexic Thinking: The unique cognitive gifts often tied
    to dyslexia, from visual-spatial thinking (Steven Spielberg) to holistic,
    big-picture vision (Jamie Oliver) and deep empathy (Keira Knightley).

Structured
    Literacy & Orton-Gillingham: What a systematic, sequential, and
    multisensory approach looks like—and why engaging visual, auditory, and
    kinesthetic pathways works so well.

Practical
    Support for Families: Evidence-based strategies parents and educators
    can use, including audiobooks to build vocabulary and syntax, plus
    advocacy for the right reading interventions.

Resources:

Visit
    Meagan’s website for tutoring and educational resources: https://www.bythebooktutor.com/

Connect
    with Meagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-sardana-m-s-ccc-slp-7328444b/

Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/bythebooktutoringservices

Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/mwsardana/

Email:
    [email protected]

Enjoying the show?

If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and
leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us
bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent
families. Thank you!

Connect With Us: 

§  Follow
us on Instagram or Facebook: @piecesformypuzzle

§  Email
us:  [email protected]

§  Learn
more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

§  Check
it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like,
share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to
share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with
you.

Discover how a school principal and grandmother navigate
autism, support families, and train first responders to keep neurodiverse kids
safe. Tune in now!

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kaufman to
explore her powerful journey from both sides of the desk. We discuss practical
strategies for grandparents, how to support adult children raising neurodiverse
kids, and the critical importance of autism safety training for law
enforcement. Whether you are a parent, educator, or first responder, this
episode offers hope, humor, and real help.

Key Topics Discussed:

The
    dual perspective of being both a school principal and a grandmother of an
    autistic grandchild.

The
    biggest misconceptions grandparents have about autism, including the idea
    that "he doesn't seem autistic."

How
    grandparents can support their adult children without overstepping—following
    the parents' lead and listening without judgment.

Creating
    sensory-friendly, predictable home environments that help autistic
    grandchildren feel safe and comfortable.

How
    First Response Autism trains police, first responders, and educators to
    support neurodiverse community members.

Shifting
    perspective from "they're giving you a hard time" to
    "they're having a hard time" to prevent crisis situations.

The
    power of unconditional presence—showing up consistently without trying to
    "fix" everything.

The
    critical importance of water safety and swimming lessons for individuals
    with autism.

Guest Info and Contact Details:

About Jennifer Kaufman:

Jennifer Kaufman is a school principal, grandmother, author, and the founder of
First Response Autism. She offers authentic, lived experience to help families
navigate autism with practical strategies and deep understanding.

Resources & Links:

Read
    the Book: Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides
    of the Desk (Available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon)

First
    Response Autism: Learn more about autism support training for law
    enforcement and get community safety resources for your family.

Email
    Jennifer (Grandparenting): [email protected]

Email
    Jennifer (First Response): [email protected]

Follow
    Jennifer on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! (Search: Jennifer Kaufman)

Visit
    her website to book her for grandparent workshops, first responder
    trainings, or school consultations.

Connect With Us: 

§  Follow
us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

§  Email
us:  [email protected]

§  Learn
more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

§  Check
it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and
leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us
bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent
families. Thank you!

#JenniferKaufman
#GrandparentingOnTheSpectrum
#AutismSupport
#AutismParenting
#GrandparentsOfAutism
#SpecialEducation
#AutismAdvocacy
#FirstResponderTraining
#AutismAwareness
#NeurodiverseInclusion
#Neurodiversity
#AutismFamily
#DeEscalationTraining
#SpecialNeedsParenting
#PiecesForMyPuzzle
#AutismPodcast 
#ParentingPodcast

Feeling overwhelmed? Learn how to step out of survival mode
and build calmness as a skill! Pennie Wilson shares the 5 Pillars of Calm
Self-Mastery to transform your leadership, parenting, and teaching. Discover
how emotional regulation brings clarity and joy back into your life. Tune in
now and take your first step toward true inner peace!

Key Topics Discussed:

The
    hidden cost of holding it all together.

Why
    survival mode is a learned state, not a flaw.

The
    TED* framework for escaping reactive drama.

Building
    the 5 Pillars of Calm Self-Mastery.

Navigating
    the messy middle of parenting neurodivergent kids.

Guest Info and
Contact Details:

About Pennie Wilson:

Pennie Wilson is a Mental Fitness coach, certified Hypnotherapist, and the
founder of Kokoro Creators. Drawing from her lived experiences, she helps
parents, teachers, and leaders move out of fight-or-flight mode and into
grounded self-mastery.

Resources &
Links:

Take the Next Step: Ready to step
    out of stress? Join Pennie's 2-hour Calm
    Self-Mastery Reset. This guided experience offers practical tools to
    build consistent inner practices for calmer responses and clearer
    decision-making. Visit: https://kokorocreators.com/

·       
Take the Kokoro Mental Fitness Quiz!

https://kokorocreators.com/quiz

·       
Check out their blog at:

https://kokorocreators.com/post/why-overthinking-feels-automatic

Website: https://kokorocreators.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Pennie
on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kokorocreators

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokoro.creators/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennie-wilson-mental-fitness-coach/

Enjoying the show?

If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and
leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us
bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent
families. Thank you!

Connect With Us: 

§  Follow
us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

§  Email
us:  [email protected]

§  Learn
more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

§  Check
it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like,
share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to
share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with
you.

#PennieWilson

#KokoroCreators

#CalmSelfMastery

#EmotionalRegulation

#MentalFitness

#SurvivalMode

#ReactingVsResponding

#TheEmpowermentDynamic

#TEDFramework

#CalmLeadership

#LeadershipUnderStress

#ParentingSupport

#NeurodivergentParenting

#AutismParenting

#SpecialNeedsParenting

#NervousSystemRegulation

#StressManagement

#OverwhelmedParents

#MindfulParenting

#SelfMastery

#EmotionalResilience

#ConsciousParenting

#MentalHealthTools

#ParentingPodcast

#AutismPodcast

#PiecesForMyPuzzle

What if there were a more effective way to understand and
support individuals on the autism spectrum? In this powerful episode, we sit
down with Jeanne Beard, founder of the National Autism Academy, author, and
mother of three adult sons with autism.

Drawing from a lifetime of personal and professional
experience, Jeanne introduces the Linear Autism Method (LAM)—a groundbreaking approach developed with Dr. Tim Wahlberg.
She explains why traditional methods can fall short and offers a new framework
for parents and therapists to foster function and success.

Tune in to explore why autism seems more prevalent today,
what truly drives behavior, and why parent training is a critical component of
success. This conversation provides a fresh perspective and actionable hope for
anyone living or working with autism.

Guest Info and Contact Details

About Jeanne Beard:

Jeanne Beard is the founder of the National Autism Academy and the author of
"Autism & The Rest of Us." With three adult sons on the spectrum
and over 16 years of professional experience, she has dedicated her life to
translating the Linear Autism Method (LAM) into accessible training and support
for families and professionals. Jeanne offers a unique, first-hand perspective
on the pathway to success for individuals with ASD.

Connect with Jeanne
and learn more:

Website: For autism solutions,
    training, and information on the Linear Autism Method, visit the National
    Autism Academy at: https://www.nationalautismacademy.com/

TikTok:National Autism
    Academy on TikTok

Learn More about LAM: Discover the
    Linear Autism Method developed with Dr. Tim Wahlberg at: https://www.drtimwahlberg.com/

Linkedin
    Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-beard-44b367

Facebook
    Profile Link: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=national%20autism%20academy

Email:
    [email protected]

Enjoying the show?

If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and
leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us
bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent
families. Thank you!

Connect With Us: 

§  Follow
us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

§  Email
us:  [email protected]

§  Learn
more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

§  Check
it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like,
share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to
share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you.

#JeanneBeard
#NationalAutismAcademy
#LinearAutismMethod
#AutismSupport
#AutismParenting
#AutismParentTraining
#AutismEducation
#AutismAwareness
#AutismAcceptance
#NeurodivergentFamilies
#Neurodiversity
#AutismStrategies
#AutismBehaviorSupport
#ParentTraining
#AutismTherapist
#TherapistSupport
#SpecialNeedsParenting
#AutismMoms
#AutismDads
#AutismFamily
#NeurodivergentSupport
#AutismPodcast
#ParentingPodcast
#SpecialNeedsPodcast
#PiecesForMyPuzzle

Does your child struggle with reading and spelling? Do you
worry they might have dyslexia or dysgraphia but don't know where to turn? This
episode is for you. We sit down with Daniela Feldhausen, a former attorney
turned special education expert and founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors.

Daniela shares her incredible journey and unpacks the
"Science of Reading"—a
revolutionary, evidence-based approach that is transforming struggling students
into confident readers in months, not years.

Tune in to learn the early warning signs of dyslexia,
understand the difference between general tutoring and targeted intervention,
and discover practical strategies parents can use to support their children.
Whether your child is just starting their reading journey or is an older
student who has always struggled, this conversation offers real solutions and a
healthy dose of hope.

Guest Info and Contact Details

About Daniela
Feldhausen:

Daniela Feldhausen is the founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors, a team of
specialists helping students across the country overcome reading challenges
like dyslexia and dysgraphia. After 25 years as an attorney, she pursued her
passion for education and now uses evidence-based, structured literacy programs
to help kids find confidence and success in reading.

Connect with Daniela
and learn more:

Website: For more information
    about reading, dyslexia, and to schedule a call with Daniela, visit: https://KidsUpReadingTutors.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidsupreading

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-feldhausen-1a3b5b244/

Enjoying the show?

If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and
leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us
bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent
families. Thank you!

Connect With Us: 

§  Follow
us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

§  Email
us:  [email protected]

§  Learn
more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

§  Check
it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like,
share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to
share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you.

Welcome back to the second part of our incredible
conversation with renowned autism consultant and educator, Melissa Reiner. In
this episode, we dive deeper into the practical side of parent training and
explore how we can better communicate with neurodivergent children. Melissa
shares her powerful evolution from working as a one-on-one therapeutic
companion to collaborating with the entire family unit to foster true
connection and growth.

We explore the vital importance of understanding the
"why" behind a child's behavior, rather than simply reacting to it.
Melissa also introduces her transformative OGC technique (Observe, Guess,
Explore, Communicate) and explains how shifting from questions and commands to
simple "I statements" can drastically reduce a child's anxiety.
Furthermore, she offers profound insights on navigating divorce and
co-parenting while prioritizing the emotional well-being of the kids. Melissa's
broader mission to support families shines through every story and strategy she
shares.

Key Talking Points:


Parent
    Training Evolution: Melissa discusses how her practice shifted from
    one-on-one therapy to collaborating with the whole family, including
    siblings and grandparents, to advocate effectively for children.



Understanding
    the "Why": Discover why looking past the surface of a
    behavior to understand the root cause is essential. Melissa shares a
    touching story of a child struggling on the playground simply because he
    did not know how to play.



The
    Power of "I Statements": Learn how questions and commands
    can trigger anxiety, and how replacing them with simple, factual "I
    statements" creates a calmer environment.



The
    OGC Technique: Melissa breaks down her step-by-step communication
    framework: Observe without judgment, Guess the child's feelings, Explore
    the reasons why, and Communicate through collaboration.



Navigating
    Divorce and Co-Parenting: We share personal experiences and vital
    advice on communicating with children during a divorce, emphasizing the
    need to validate their feelings and reassure them that they remain a
    family.



Conversation
    over Confrontation: An exclusive sneak peek into Melissa's upcoming
    book, which is packed with real-life stories from her incredible work with
    families.


Resources Mentioned:

Company Name: Melissa Reiner Speaks

Website: http://Www.AskMNow.com

Phone Number: (818) 613-1793

E-mail: [email protected]

Linkedin Profile Link: https://linkedin.com/in/melissa-reiner-med-9a880823

Instagram Profile Link: https://Instagram.com/MelissaReinerSpeaks

 

Enjoying the show?

If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and
leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us
bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent
families. Thank you!

Connect With Us:

§  Follow
us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

§  Email
us:  [email protected]

§  Learn
more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

§  Check
it out! We are one of the

We are thrilled to welcome Melissa Reiner to the show for a
fascinating conversation about the intersection of autism advocacy and the
entertainment industry. With over 20 years of experience supporting families,
educators, and institutions, Melissa is a renowned autism consultant, educator,
and speaker.

In this episode, we dive deep into her groundbreaking work
as the autism consultant for the entire eight-year run of ABC’s hit series, The
Good Doctor. Melissa shares her journey into autism consulting and explains how
she played a pivotal role in shaping the show’s authentic portrayal of autism.
We also explore her experience collaborating with Jason Reitman on
Ghostbusters: Afterlife and FOX’s ALERT, highlighting why accurate
representation in media matters more than ever. Beyond Hollywood, Melissa
introduces us to her revolutionary OGEC four-step technique, a powerful method
that helps individuals improve communication, overcome behavioral challenges,
and build resilience.

Key Talking Points:

• The Path to Consulting: Melissa
      shares how she got her start in the field of autism consulting and what
      led her to work in the entertainment industry.

• Authenticity on Screen: A look
      inside her role on The Good Doctor and the steps she took to ensure the
      portrayal of autism remained genuine throughout the show's eight-year run.

• Hollywood Collaborations: Melissa
      discusses what it was like working on major film and television projects
      like ABC’s The Good Doctor and Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

• The Power of Representation: We
      explore the massive impact that shows like The Good Doctor have on public
      awareness and understanding of autism.

• Overcoming Challenges: Melissa
      opens up about the biggest hurdles she faced while consulting on these
      massive projects and the memorable breakthroughs she experienced on set.

• The OGEC Technique: Discover
      Melissa’s revolutionary four-step technique designed to empower families
      and improve communication.

• A Mission of Compassion: We wrap
      up by discussing Melissa's broader mission to inspire understanding, build
      authentic relationships, and drive impactful advocacy worldwide.

You will not want to miss this insightful conversation! Tune
in to hear Melissa's incredible behind-the-scenes stories and learn how she is
changing the landscape of autism awareness. If you enjoy the episode, please
hit subscribe, leave us a review, and share this podcast with your friends to
help us spread this vital message of understanding and compassion.

Resources Mentioned:

Company Name: Melissa Reiner Speaks

Website: http://Www.AskMNow.com

Phone Number: (818) 613-1793

E-mail: [email protected]

Linkedin Profile Link: https://linkedin.com/in/melissa-reiner-med-9a880823

Instagram Profile Link: https://Instagram.com/MelissaReinerSpeaks

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