Friday - June 5th, 2026
Apple News
×

What can we help you find?

Open Menu

Autism, Aging, and Advocacy: The Role of Grandparents and Retirees in Lifelong Support with Alexandra J. Rogers, Ph.D.

  1. Autism, Aging, and Advocacy: The Role of Grandparents and Retirees in Lifelong Support with Alexandra J. Rogers, Ph.D. Guidance Point Advisors, LLC. 41:02

Ep 114: Retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down. For some, it means stepping up to support a loved one with autism. In this episode, Ben and Curtis talk with Dr. Alexandra Rogers, a retired psychologist and autism advocate, about the unique role many grandparents and retirees play as caregivers.

With warmth and deep experience, Dr. Rogers explores how to better understand autism from the perspective of the individual, how to balance Love, advocacy, and boundaries, and how to thoughtfully plan for long-term care and housing. She also offers guidance on how caregivers can recognize when they need support for their own Mental Health and how to care for themselves while caring for others.

Whether you’re helping a grandchild, adult child, or extended Family member, this conversation offers practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement for finding purpose and peace in a complex role.

Chapters:

How did Dr. Alexandra Rogers begin working with autism in her career? [04:21]

What does autism look like in everyday life? [11:46]

Why do retirees often become caregivers for family members with autism? [14:19]

What are the emotional challenges of Caregiving? [16:09]

What should families know about group homes and other housing options? [20:15]

How can caregivers advocate effectively? [26:52]

How can grandparents support from a distance or without overstepping? [28:31]

What are signs caregivers need mental Health support? [32:49]

What does Retirement Success look like for Dr. Alexandra Rogers? [36:24]

Benjamin Smith Host, Retirement Success in Maine Podcast & Financial Advisor

Ben's focus with our clients is to direct the investments of their investable portfolios. In teaming with Curtis Worcester and Austin Minor, Ben combines his investment expertise from attaining the CFA Charter with Curtis & Austin's financial planning expertise to provide clients with the tools, confidence, and education to make informed decisions about their retirement. As Ben, Curtis, and Austin have a number of clients that are Northern Light Health employees, they've developed a specialty in serving clients in the healthcare field. You can read their "Employee Guide to the Northern Light Health Retirement Plans" here.

He has spent his entire career devoted to serving individual clients and institutions by developing and implementing investment strategies, setting portfolio structure, and providing the highest level of client service. He's passionate about helping clients maximize their savings and retirement income using the many financial planning and portfolio management tools available to Guidance Point consultants. Prior to working for Guidance Point Advisors, Ben worked for Acadia Trust, N.A., a subsidiary of Camden National Corporation, as Vice President, Portfolio Manager based in Bangor, Maine. Ben assumed responsibility for and oversight of over $300 million in client portfolios, including individuals, families, retirement plans, endowments, foundations, businesses, and trusts; and he served on the Company’s Investment Committee.