On Wednesday, Jan. 28, Tanner Smith, a participant in the reality TV show Love on the Spectrum, came to Furman to speak about his educational journey as an individual with autism, sensory integration dysfunction, and auditory processing disorder.
Love on the Spectrum is a dating show for young adults with autism that rose in popularity a few years ago. Smith was introduced in season two and returned in season three. He quickly became a fan favorite due to his sweet and friendly nature, and famous one-liners such as, “I can’t think of anything else to say, but I’m having a really good time,” and, “Are my eyebrows right?”
At this event, hosted by the Furman Education Department, Smith, accompanied by his mother Nicci, gave a brief speech about his experience with schooling and work. Smith was diagnosed with autism when he was four years old and said, “My life changed a lot after the diagnosis.”
During childhood, he underwent occupational and behavioral therapy. These therapists showed him patience and had a genuine investment in his growth, which left such a large impact on Smith that even now, he remembers all of their names.
When Smith first started school, he attended a general education public school with his siblings. This wasn’t the best fit for him, so he switched to a school for children with disabilities. The curriculum there focused on vocational skills like cooking and time management. At that school, he was able to thrive both socially and academically.
After graduation, Smith enrolled in Clemson Life, a program within Clemson University for young adults with special needs. At Clemson, he found more social opportunities, such as joining a fraternity, and learned more vocational and life skills.
Smith strongly promotes education for everyone. He said, “It’s so important for people like me to have a school that can meet you where you learn…people with disabilities are so capable and deserve to have a college education and live independently if they want to. Me and my friends are living proof of that.”
Since graduation, Smith has moved out of his parents’ home and lives on his own. He has also had several jobs, including positions at Chik-Fil-A as the “Lemonade King” and the Shepherd Hotel.
After his premiere in “Love on the Spectrum,” Smith has had a plethora of public speaking opportunities and enjoys the chances they bring to make friends. This allowed him to go on the Kelly Clarkson Show, where he met his favorite celebrity, Jack Black.
His next goal is to host a children’s television show to promote the normalization of autism, and because he has found that he is able to connect very well with young kids.
Smith wants to spread the message that, “With the right support and opportunities, people with disabilities can achieve so much. Everyone benefits when you give people a chance to do their best.”
He uses his own life as an example of this. Smith is a bundle of contagious joy. He radiates positivity and spreads a message of hope to all those who listen that they can do anything they set their minds to.
