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

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

How do you find the strength to advocate for your child when
faced with unimaginable challenges? In this episode, we sit down with Nancy
Ferraro, an accomplished author and estate planning attorney. She shares the
deeply moving story behind her memoir, "When the Bow Breaks," which
details her journey raising her son, George, whom she adopted from Romania.

Nancy offers an unflinchingly honest look at the realities
of parenting a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, attachment disorder, and
other complex disabilities. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience,
offering powerful strategies for navigating the educational and medical
systems, balancing your own well-being, and transforming grief into powerful
advocacy. Join us for a heartfelt discussion about finding hope, fighting for
your child, and the true meaning of love.

Key Topics:

• The
  Story Behind "When the Bow Breaks": Nancy shares the
  inspiration for her memoir and the shocking reality she faced when her
  adopted son, George, arrived as a "feral child" with a host of
  undiagnosed disabilities.

• From
  Denial to Advocacy: A powerful discussion on moving past the
  "island of denial" and adjusting expectations to become your
  child's most effective advocate.

• Advocacy
  is Love in Motion: Nancy outlines her key pillars for effective
  advocacy, including acknowledging your feelings, focusing on your child's
  strengths, and knowing the rules of the system.

• A
  Simple Trick to Change the Game: Learn why writing a thank-you note
  can completely shift the energy in an IEP meeting and turn adversaries
  into teammates.

• Finding
  the Right Educational Path: Nancy discusses her family's journey from
  public school to an out-of-district placement that ultimately saved them.

• Respite,
  Respite, Respite: The critical importance of self-care. Nancy shares
  her "empty cup" moment and offers advice for finding and
  demanding the resources you need to avoid burnout.

• Building
  Your Tribe: How to combat the isolation that often comes with special
  needs parenting by finding your community and being a support for others.

• Profound
  Lessons on Love and Resilience: Nancy reflects on the most important
  lessons she's learned about perseverance, faith, and the unbreakable bond
  between a mother and child.

Resources Mentioned:

Find Nancy's award-winning memoir, When the Bow Breaks,
on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold. We will include a
QR code and links to connect with Nancy in our show notes online.

Website nancy-writes.com

Phone Number (561) 818-6775

E-mail nancywrites2021@gmail.com

Linkedin Profile Link https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrarolaw/

Facebook Profile Link https://www.facebook.com/nancy.an

What happens when personal experience meets professional
dedication? On this episode, we are honored to welcome Olivia Fryer, the
Executive Director of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Since 2014, Olivia
has been a tireless advocate for the disability community, a role deeply
influenced by her life as a mom to two sons, one of whom is an autistic AAC
user.

Olivia brings a powerful perspective to the conversation,
blending her insights as a parent with her professional background at
organizations like Southwest Human Development, Arizona Autism United, and
T.E.A.M. 4 Kids. A bilingual leader and recipient of the 2023 Gabe Zimmerman
Emerging Champion Award, she shares how she is turning passion into tangible
community action. Join us for a discussion on safety, sibling support, and the
future of advocacy.

Key Topics:

• A
  Mother’s Mission: Olivia shares how her personal journey raising an
  autistic son who uses AAC has shaped her compassionate approach to
  leadership and advocacy.

• Bridging
  Safety Gaps: We discuss the critical need for safety education and what
  led Olivia to become a certified instructor for programs like BE SAFE and
  Safety on the Spectrum.

• Supporting
  Siblings: As a Sibshops facilitator, Olivia offers unique insights into
  the sibling experience and shares practical ways families and communities
  can offer better support.

• Policy
  and Committees: From local commissions to national committees for the
  Autism Society of America, learn about the key issues Olivia is fighting
  to bring to the forefront right now.

• Advice
  for Emerging Leaders: Fresh off her recognition as an Emerging Champion,
  Olivia offers advice on how to turn a passion for service into sustainable
  change.

• Guidance
  for New Families: Looking ahead, Olivia shares what excites her most about
  her current work and leaves us with one essential piece of advice for
  families just starting their diagnosis journey.

Resources Mentioned:

Olivia Fryer at Autism Society of Greater Phoenix

Website: https://phxautism.org/

Phone Number: (480) 779-0899

E-mail: olivia@Phxautism.org

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

Raising a child on the autism spectrum comes with incredible
joys—and unique financial challenges. In this episode, we talk with Mike
Ringel, a financial professional who helps families create long-term plans that
prioritize security, stability, and peace of mind.


We cover:

·
The first financial steps parents of autistic
children should take

·
How to plan for therapies, education, and
long-term care

·
Why estate planning is essential for families
with special needs children

·
How to move from feeling overwhelmed to
empowered with your money


Mike’s client-first approach is about more than numbers—it’s
about giving parents the tools and confidence to build a safe, supported future
for their children.

About Mike Ringel

Mike Ringel is a financial professional who specializes in
helping families plan for life’s biggest milestones with clarity and
confidence. With a client-first approach, Mike guides parents through
investing, retirement, and estate strategies—but what makes his work especially
meaningful is his commitment to families raising children with unique needs. By
thinking outside the box and focusing on long-term security, Mike helps parents
ensure that their children’s futures are financially supported, safe, and full
of possibility.

Resources Mentioned

o
Website: https://www.mikeringel.com/

o
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeringel/


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.

In this episode of Pieces For My Puzzle, we sit
down with MaLinda Perry—designer-turned-Gallup-certified Strengths coach and
founder of Happy Girls Don’t Do That. With over 20 years of experience in the
design world and a passion for strengths-based development, MaLinda helps
creatives, families, and leaders aim their natural talents for transformational
results.

We explore her bold career shift from
interior design to coaching, the story behind her unapologetic brand name, and
how Strengths strategies can combat burnout, heal family dynamics, and empower
young people. MaLinda shares practical tools for setting goals you’ll actually
follow through on, why focusing on strengths beats the fix-what’s-broken
mindset, and her mantra for living big: “Do epic sh*t!”

·
Topics Covered [bullet point 3 key
topics]

o
A fresh perspective on leveraging your natural
talents (not just fixing flaws)

o
Real-world tips for tackling creative burnout
and overwhelm

o
Insights on using Strengths to improve
relationships—at work and at home

o
One powerful action step you can take today to
aim your strengths with confidence

·
About: MaLinda Perry

·
MaLinda is a designer-turned-Gallup certified
Strengths coach and founder of MaLinda Perry Consulting LLC (aka “Happy Girls Don’t Do That”) in Gillette, WY. With 20+ years in the design world and a
passion for strengths-based development, she equips creative professionals,
teams, and families to unlock their natural talents using CliftonStrengths.
Whether guiding blended families, executives, or young people, MaLinda
champions a clarity-and-confidence-first approach—because “When you aim your Strengths, the outcome is profoundly different.
Learn more about MaLinda Perry at http://www.malindaperryconsultingllc.com/.
Connect with Malinda on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/malinda.perry.273768/
and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/malinda.perry/

·
Resources Mentioned [NOTE: all links must be
the full url link, no hyperlinks]

o
http://www.malindaperryconsultingllc.com/

o
https://www.linkedin.com/in/malinda-perry-60535b8

o https://www.instagram.com/malinda.perry/

·
Call to Action

o 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.

In this episode, we sit down with Andre and Constance Lewis,
the husband-and-wife duo behind Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings.
Inspired by their son Miles and their journey as parents, they’ve created a
children’s book series that empowers kids to express emotions, build
resilience, and strengthen family bonds through creativity and play.

We talk about:

The personal story behind the Colorful Capes of Feelings
series

How parents can support kids in navigating big feelings

Why “thinking like a kid” is a powerful tool for emotional
connection

Their mission to inspire confidence, compassion, and
resilience in families

Learn more about the
books: Colorful Capes of Feelings

If you’re a parent, educator,
or caregiver looking for fun, practical tools to help kids express emotions,
this conversation is for you.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more
episodes that support families navigating life’s challenges with hope and
creativity.

About Jane Elliot

Andre and Constance Lewis
are the husband-and-wife team behind Miles and the Colorful Capes
of Feelings, a children’s book series designed to help kids
navigate emotions with creativity and confidence. Drawing from their
backgrounds in pediatric dentistry and women’s health, as well as their own
parenting journey with their son Miles—who inspired the books—they’ve created a
mission-driven project that empowers families to embrace big feelings with
empathy, resilience, and play.

Resources Mentioned

o
Website: https://www.colorfulcapesoffeelings.com

o
Instagram: @colorful_feelings.books

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.