‘Love on the Spectrum’ star Tanner Smith returns to Furman

Furman University students welcomed former “Love on the Spectrum” star Tanner Smith back to campus for a discussion about his experiences and perspective on life.

The event was a chance to introduce the audience to aspects of life for neurodivergent people, said Abigaill Condon ’26, president of the student organization Disability Rights, Education, Activism and Mentoring (DREAM) Furman.

“We want people to see that everyone is different and has different needs, and maybe people who attend get to experience something new; a new perspective,” Condon said.

Abigail Condon ’26, president of DREAM Furman, speaks during an event hosted by DREAM in the Burgiss Theater on Jan. 28. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University

Smith’s last high-profile visit to campus was televised on season 3, episode 5 of “Love on the Spectrum,” a romantic documentary series about people on the autism spectrum navigating their search for love. “My favorite part was seeing the ducks,” Smith said of his date with Callie Truelove on Furman’s campus.

Smith said he was diagnosed with autism at age 4, and he and his mother, Nicci Smith, told the audience it was a complicated journey to get him the support he needed. Teachers and therapists found visual aids helped compensate for his auditory processing disorder, and he was more receptive to some therapeutic approaches than others.

Organizations like DREAM Furman help students interested in disability advocacy connect with one another to address the varied needs of individuals with disabilities. It’s something that compliments Furman’s commitment to making education accessible, inclusive and sustainable while making sure that every student can feel welcomed.

Smith answers questions during a Q+A session at Furman University alongside his mother, Nicci Smith, and Nancy Cooper. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.

“We have many students at Furman with a variety of disabilities, and if they are experiencing barriers to access and need accommodations, they work with our office,” said Judy Bagley, director of the Student Office for Accessibility Resources. Programs like FIND Furman, support students entering college life who identify as neurodivergent.

Smith was especially proud of the opportunities he found in college through the ClemsonLIFE program at Clemson University, which helps people with intellectual disabilities attain an education on the college’s campus.

“It is so important for people like me to go to a school that meets them where they’re at,” Smith said. “People with disabilities deserve the chance to get a college education, work and be independent if they want to. Me and my friends are living proof of that.”

Smith said he still stays in touch with cast and crew members of “Love on the Spectrum” and urged people to keep an eye out for him appearing on screens in the future. He has dreams of hosting his own children’s education show called “Think Tank,” and feels he’s a natural at reading to children and engaging their curiosity.

“I’m so happy I know them, the crew and cast of ‘Love on the Spectrum’ are so nice and I’ll never be able to thank them enough for choosing me,” he said.