Ep. 304 Autism Discussion
Melissa Reiner M.Ed.
and
Michael Gillman, Md
Melissa Reiner, M.Ed., is a prominent autism and behavioral consultant widely regarded as one of the top experts in California. With a Master's Degree in Special Education. Melissa is a world-class speaker, esteemed author, communication expert, and behavioral and autism specialist. She is the founder of Bridging Pathways Autism and Behavioral Consulting and the author of several books. Notably, Reiner has served as the autism consultant for the ABC television show, "The Good Doctor," where she worked with actor Freddie Highmore to ensure an authentic portrayal of a character with autism. Her work focuses on developing effective communication, building resilience, and fostering successful client relationships.
Dr. Michael Gillman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Orange County, California, who holds degrees from Stanford University and Case Western Reserve University. His practice specializes in a wide range of orthopedic conditions, with particular expertise in foot and ankle disorders and outpatient joint replacement surgeries. Dr. Gillman has been recognized as a Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association and holds patents for his innovative work in custom joint replacement. His career is marked by leadership roles and a commitment to advancing patient care in orthopedic medicine. He is the father of three children and married to Rebecca, a physical therapist. Their middle child, Daniel was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum at 2 years of age.
In this powerful and emotional episode, we delve into the life of Dr. Michael Gillman, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and a father who successfully navigated the profound challenges of raising a child with high-aptitude autism. Alongside autism consultant Melisa Reiner, we explore the often-misunderstood world of autism, moving beyond conventional narratives of hardship to highlight a story of exceptional aptitude and resilience. Dr. Gillman shares his personal journey, detailing how his family nurtured the extraordinary talents of his son, Daniel, and managed to secure a bright future for him while managing a serious brain cancer diagnosis in David (their youngest son), when Daniel was in elementary school.
The conversation offers an intimate look into the strategies and dedication required to ensure a child with autism receives a quality education and develops the skills necessary for adult life. Dr. Gillman recounts Daniel's remarkable academic trajectory: completing a math degree at USC in just three years, earning a master's in analytics from Georgia Tech, and eventually joining the faculty there. This section of the discussion provides concrete, actionable insights for parents, educators, and anyone interested in how to support and empower individuals on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential.
The episode concludes with a poignant reflection from Dr. Gillman, who, despite the immense challenges and personal sacrifices, expresses that he would not change a thing about his family's journey. This powerful sentiment encapsulates the episode's core message: that autism, while a unique challenge, can also be a source of extraordinary strength and profound personal growth. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and expert advice, this episode serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that a diagnosis of autism is not a limitation but rather a different path to success and fulfillment.
Dr. Michael Gillman, Jeanne Pepper and Melissa Reiner at the PeppTalks studio on September 25, 2025.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guests: Melissa Reiner and Michael Gillman MD
Social Media: Facebook. Instagram
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
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