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The Caregiver's Toolkit: Tried-and-True Strategies for Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Manage episode 446366851 series 3430082
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Lori Rogers shares her powerful journey as the caregiver of her 33-year-old son, Craig, who was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years old. When Craig was first diagnosed in 1993, Lori and her husband Neil dove headfirst into supporting him, trying various therapies, diets, and interventions to help him. Despite the challenges, they refused to live in victimhood and instead focused on hope and finding ways to help Craig and their family.
Lori also founded a nonprofit called Parents Assisting Special Educators (PACE) to support their community's special education programs and teachers. PACE lasted 18 years and allowed Lori and her family to give back and be part of the team supporting Craig and other children with special needs. Recently, Lori and her family discovered a life-changing communication method called "spelling to communicate" that has allowed Craig, who is nonverbal, to express his thoughts, knowledge, and desires for the first time at age 33. This has been a game-changer, as Craig now has a voice and is even starting his own Instagram account to share his experiences.
Throughout her caregiving journey, Lori has learned the importance of self-care, positive thinking, and maintaining a high vibration. She shared practical daily habits like giving herself a high five, journaling, meditation, and prayer that have helped her build resilience and see the beauty in her son's challenges. Lori's story is an inspiring testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and shifting one's perspective, even in the face of immense difficulty.
About Lori:
Lori is the caregiver of her adult son, diagnosed with autism. She is the co-founder of PASE—Parents Assisting Special Educators— a vehicle that provides vital equipment & supplies to support special needs classrooms & teachers. She founded Life-Op, which creates safe and productive learning spaces for special needs adults. In 2011, Lori began implementing the practices of Positive Activity and experienced a shift in her approach to caregiving. She helps audiences do the same, implementing simple
daily activities and mindset shifts that attract a life-changing experience. She is a Spelling 2 Communicate advocate.
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
170 episodes
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