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: MReinerSpeaks@gmail.com

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

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



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bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent
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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: MReinerSpeaks@gmail.com

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 he

When a child receives an autism diagnosis, parents often
feel overwhelmed and alone. How do we best support our kids? How do we prepare
them for the future? On this episode, we welcome Carol Waldman, a fierce parent
advocate who shares her deeply personal journey of raising her neurodiverse
son, Andrew.

Carol opens up about the initial confusion of Andrew’s
diagnosis and how she learned to navigate the education system to ensure he
received the support he needed. Her relentless advocacy paid off, helping
Andrew go away to college and successfully graduate. Now, Carol is on a mission
to inspire other families so they know they do not have to walk this path
alone. We also dive into her political advocacy for neurodiversity training in
the workplace and the crucial transition into adulthood for neurodiverse individuals.

Key Discussion Points:

• The
  Early Days: Carol shares her story of raising Andrew, the emotions
  surrounding his initial autism diagnosis, and learning to let go of
  preconceived parenting expectations.

• Fierce
  Advocacy: Why advocating for neurodiverse children and adults is
  absolutely critical, and how Carol navigated the education system to get
  Andrew the right support.

• The
  College Milestone: The steps and support systems that helped Andrew go
  away to college and achieve his goal of graduating.

• Life
  After 18: Exploring the massive need for more guidance and support to
  help young adults find friends, communities, and like-minded people after
  high school.

• Career
  Transitions: How we can better help young adults transition into
  meaningful jobs and careers that tie directly to their passions.

• Changing
  the Workplace: Carol discusses her political involvement and her
  passionate advocacy for neurodiversity training in corporate environments.

Resources Mentioned:

• Carol is currently writing a book about her journey
  raising Andrew—stay tuned for updates on its release!

·
Phone
Number: (310) 779-8298

·
E-mail: cnwaldman@gmail.com

• Connect with Carol on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-waldman

• Follow Carol on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.n.waldman

• Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/carol.n.waldman

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: Info@piec