Harold “Hackie” Reitman, M.D.

Harold “Hackie” Reitman, M.D. is the founder of the nonprofit Different Brains® Inc. He is also an author, filmmaker, retired orthopedic surgeon, former professional heavyweight boxer, the past chairman and president (and current board member) of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, and a neurodiversity advocate. However, it was his role as a father that led to his dedication to speaking out for the differences in our brains.

Reitman’s daughter Rebecca grew up with epilepsy, 23 vascular brain tumors, and underwent 2 brain surgeries before the age of 5. Her struggles and recovery put him on the road to, through 26 professional heavyweight boxing matches, raising money for children’s charities (to which he donated every fight purse). Rebecca eventually went on to graduate from Georgia Tech with a degree in Discrete Mathematics, and Reitman wrote and produced a film based on her experiences there (The Square Root of 2, starring Darby Stanchfield). After graduation, Rebecca received a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome. Reitman, shocked at his own ignorance of the topic despite being an M.D., embarked on years of research that culminated with his book "Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Asperger’s, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Neurodiversity."

This experience revealed to Reitman the interconnectedness of the conditions that fall under the neurodiversity umbrella, while alerting him to the in-fighting and fractured relations that often plague the organizations tasked with serving the community. Convinced that overcoming these schisms could help all of society, Reitman forged the Different Brains philosophy of inclusive advocacy: "Supporting Neurodiversity - From Autism to Alzheimer's and All Brains In Between."

Reitman is the main mentor of the neurodiverse participants of the Different Brains Mentorship Program, is the host of the weekly interview show Exploring Different Brains, writes blogs for the DifferentBrains.org, and tours the country speaking at conferences, conventions and private functions, all with the goal of improving the lives of neurodiverse individuals and their families, and maximizing the potential of those with different brains. Separate from Different Brains, Reitman is the founder and CEO of PCE Media, a media production company focusing on reality based content. He recently co-executive produced the documentary “Foreman,” the definitive feature documentary on legendary boxer and pitchman George Foreman.