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:
tam@tamtaouss.com

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: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com

§ 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:
meagan@bythebooktutor.com

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: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com

§ 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): jen@grandparentingonthespectrum.com

Email
Jennifer (First Response): jennifer@firstresponseautism.com

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: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com

§ 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: pennie@kokorocreators.com

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: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com

§ 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:
jeanne@nationalautismacademy.com

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@piecesformypuzzle.com

§ 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: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com

§ 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: 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 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@piecesformypuzzle.com

§ 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: 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