February 2026 – Let's Plant Houses

LPH47: Finding a Voice with Lori Rogers on Autism and Spelling to Communicate

By Wendy Ernzen | February 17, 2026

What if your non-speaking child with autism understood everything and was just waiting for a way to share it?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism, communication, and Spelling to Communicate, or SC2, as Lori Rogers shares the journey of helping her son Craig, a non-speaker on the autism spectrum, find his voice. Lori tells how everything changed the day Craig spelled “black holes” on a letter board. She also shares the early years of losing words, fighting for services, raising funds, and believing deeply in her son’s potential.

Lori explains how S2C opened the door to friendships, college classes, creative writing, and Craig planning his own future. She also talks about her business, Positive Activity, where she and her husband Neil share science based activities to increase happiness, boost positivity, and attract abundance in both personal and professional life.

Lori’s story offers real hope for families and professionals who love or work with non-speaking children everywhere. Listen now!

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LPH46: A Sibling Perspective on Autism and Caregiving With Dr. DeShanna Reed

By Wendy Ernzen | February 1, 2026

How might growing up with a sister with autism shape your life?

In this episode, you’ll hear a powerful look at profound autism, caregiving, and family as Dr. DeShanna Reed shares her experience as the youngest sibling to Adrian. She explains how finding the right care and community shaped their journey and what it felt like when Adrian moved into a group home. Dr. Reed also talks about the caregivers who became “found family” and the tender moment her family had to explain that their dad was gone.

She shares how stepping into the caregiver role as an adult changed her life and why she is creating a book for siblings to help them navigate the legal, financial, and emotional parts of caregiving. If you support a loved one with IDD, this conversation will help you feel seen and supported.

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