Since launching in June 2025, Caiden's Corner has been working to close the gap — financially, emotionally, and systemically — for autism families across South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast.
By the Numbers — Since Launch
When Caiden Smith was diagnosed with autism in 2018, his family faced what so many families on the Gulf Coast face: limited providers, insurance gaps, long drives, and an overwhelming sense of isolation.
Caiden's Corner was founded by his mother, Alyece Smith, to transform that journey into a roadmap for future families — so no parent has to navigate the autism world alone.
"We're creating spaces where families can have fun, find support, and feel a little more in control of their child's journey."
Every program is designed with autism families in mind — built on empathy, access, and real community connection.
Inclusive gatherings designed so every child and caregiver can fully participate — lower stimulation, safe spaces, and zero judgment.
40+ attendees gained tools, resources, and community in 2025 through our educational workshop series — held at local libraries and community spaces.
Partnering with East Hancock School, we brought the Organization for Autism Research's peer program to 366 students, educators, and administrators.
In 2025, Caiden's Corner expanded autism education through targeted trainings, presentations, and partnerships reaching hundreds of professionals and caregivers.
A curated hub of free tools, guides, and provider directories — everything in one place so caregivers spend less time searching and more time supporting.
Our annual community walk brings families, supporters, and advocates together to celebrate, raise awareness, and fund programs serving local families.
The data makes clear what autism families in Mississippi live every day. These numbers drive everything we do.
Caiden Smith is diagnosed with autism. His family begins an overwhelming journey — limited providers, insurance gaps, long drives, and a system that wasn't built for them.
Alyece Smith begins building Caiden's Corner — a guide and community for families walking the same road. She envisions a central hub of resources, inclusive events, and real support.
Caiden's Corner launches as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The weeklong celebration in June 2025 kicks off programs serving autism families across South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast.
Caiden's Corner opens its doors at the Bay St. Louis Business Resource Center, bringing our mission into a permanent home in the heart of the Gulf Coast community.
The inaugural Autism Acceptance Walk at the Bay St. Louis Train Depot brings our community together to celebrate, advocate, and raise funds for programs serving local families.
"There were days where there was some grief and some gratitude happening on the same day — a roller coaster of emotions. And you can't regulate your child if you can't regulate as a parent."
"Birthday parties and amusement parks were hard. There were so many times I had this guilt — feeling like he wasn't going to get that normalcy I'd imagined. So we're creating those spaces. Spaces to have fun. A community where no autism family feels alone."
"We're turning our family's continuous journey into a template for future families who may have their own ray of sunshine."
The real measure of our impact is in the lives we're touching across South Mississippi.
"Finding Caiden's Corner felt like finally exhaling. I didn't know there were other families going through the same things we were. The resource vault alone saved me weeks of research."
"The sensory-friendly events are a game changer. We can actually enjoy a community event as a family without the anxiety of not knowing if it's going to be too much for our son."
"Alyece gets it because she's lived it. That makes all the difference. Caiden's Corner is the support network I wished existed when we first got our daughter's diagnosis."
Autism families in South Mississippi face a perfect storm of systemic challenges. Caiden's Corner was built to meet each one head on.
Families face up to $69,000 per year in autism-related costs. Therapies, evaluations, specialized equipment, and support services strain family budgets — especially when insurance falls short. We help connect families to financial resources and free support.
Rural communities along the Gulf Coast face limited local providers and long travel distances for every appointment. We're building a central directory and bringing programs directly to the communities that need them most.
Mississippi ranks last in early developmental screenings nationally. Families wait years for diagnosis, losing critical early intervention windows. We advocate for better systems and equip parents to navigate what exists today.
Caregiver burnout is real. Many autism parents describe feeling completely alone in their journey. Caiden's Corner builds the community, peer support, and connection that transforms isolation into strength.
Big change starts with small, steady steps. Here's what we're building toward as we grow our reach across South Mississippi.
Help Us Get There 💙Expand our reach to 500 families across South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast through direct programs, events, and the Parent Resource Vault.
Develop a financial assistance program to help families access therapy and evaluations that insurance doesn't fully cover.
Expand our inclusive events calendar with quarterly sensory-aware community gatherings across the Gulf Coast where every family truly belongs.
Grow our workshop series to 10 sessions — equipping caregivers, educators, and community members with practical autism tools and knowledge.
Expand our monthly donor community to sustain programs year-round — because autism families need consistent support, not just one-time help.
Make the April 2026 Autism Acceptance Walk our most successful fundraiser yet — with a $30,000 goal that directly funds programs serving local families.
Our 2025 revenue reflects the generosity and commitment of local partners, grantmakers, and community members who believe in this mission. Every dollar represents a family supported, a child served, and a step toward a more inclusive community.
"Every dollar represents a family supported, a child served, and a step toward a more inclusive community."
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Support Our Mission 💙