St. Nicholas Center for Children is currently seeking FEMA grant managers. Participation by small, minority, disadvantaged, veteran and woman owned businesses is encouraged. For more information, please click this link.

Worldwide

The
Mission

Transforming the lives of children with Autism, delays, and disorders by providing direct training, consultation, and community outreach.

Globally

Globally, we work with Autisme Rwanda and Immaculee Ilibagiza.

What We Do

Whether it be building an affiliate of St. Nicholas Center for Children in your area or simply needing ongoing training and consultation for your facility, we are here to help. St. Nicholas Center Worldwide provides autism support systems for communities around the world through education, consultation, and advocacy. We have the knowledge and skills necessary to build and deliver training programs that meet the individual needs of each community. We train and build supports necessary to create a sustainable model of education for centers, schools, parents and communities.

We provide parent/staff trainings, free workshops for teachers and daycare providers, and host the annual Louisiana Autism Conference where more than 300 parents, educators, therapists, first responders and others come together to learn practical strategies to work with and care for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Louisiana Autism Conference

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, therapist, law enforcement, or just the neighbor next door – there will be something for you at this conference. We will have workshops on topics ranging from feeding disorders to dealing with challenging behaviors to implementing strategies and techniques in the classroom.

Tanner Smith from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum has captured hearts & spread so much joy simply by living authentically. Together, with his supermom, Nicci Smith, they will discuss their family’s journey supporting Tanner, who was diagnosed with Autism, and impart valuable insights for parents of special needs children. Nicci will share the life lessons learned from Tanner, highlight the significance of acceptance, and showcase the impact of their journey on their family and others. Nicci’s insights provide hope and encouragement, reminding parents that they are not alone and that progress, while slow, is entirely possible. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate their unique journeys and continue supporting one another in the pursuit of joy and fulfillment in their lives! Tanner’s life and achievements serve as a beacon of hope and motivation, proving that love indeed knows no bounds.

SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

L'auberge Casino Resort
777 Avenue L'auberge
Lake Charles, LA 70601

MEET TANNER SMITH

Tanner Smith is a South Carolina native thriving on the Autism spectrum, whose self-proclaimed mission in life is to “Spread Joy All Around the World.” Tanner was diagnosed with Autism at age 4 and has gone on to complete and graduate from the ClemsonLIFE program at Clemson University and is currently employed at The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson where he lives independently with roommates. Tanner came into the public eye after appearing on Season 2 of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum and has captured the hearts of his many followers on social media. Tanner’s hope is to be an example of what is possible for others affected by Autism and to bring joy and kindness to everyone he encounters, as shown by his signature thumbs up, big smile, and high fives. Tanner also hopes to be a strong advocate for employment for the disabled community, and to show what valuable assets they are in the workforce.

MEET NICCI SMITH

Nicci Smith is a proud mother to four children, a fitness enthusiast and Autism advocate. Sharing her family’s story of Tanner’s diagnosis, acceptance, and eventual joy in the Autism journey is a dream come true for her. Nicci’s greatest wish is to spread hope and inspiration to other families who are blessed with a differently abled child. She hopes to increase awareness and knowledge of collegiate and employment opportunities for young adults with special needs.

For more information on the conference and sponsorship opportunities, email Chris Jones at coach@stnickcenter.org.

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