Los Angeles-based comedian Kirk Smith came to Tasmania for the Laughs of Launnie comedy event and found some kindred spirits along the way.

Smith has two children, which are mentioned in his act, but his experience as a parent to a child with severe autism is something he speaks about in depth during his show, Kirk Smith Live.

"I do stand up, and stand up is about what you know - and I know a lot about autism," he said.

"It's not about making fun of disabilities; it's just the reality most of us live with. I hope it gives people a little more grace, because I tell stories about what I did."

Although his son is now 20, Smith said he would need help "for the rest of his life".

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Smith also wrote a book about his experiences, Rice Krispies with Ketchup: A comedian's journey with an autistic son.

"It's a series of letters about things I wish I'd known to a younger me, when I was 22," Smith said.

"One is about choose happy, one is about taking care of yourself, one is about your dreams for yourself are not the dreams you have for your son, or not his dreams for himself because he is his own person..."

Eager to work with a Launceston charity while visiting, Smith made contact with StGiles and spoke with fellow comedian Gerard Lane, who is also artistic director for Studio Space, the organisation's arts program for people of all ages and abilities.

Mr Lane said the theatre company had "struck a chord with the people on the spectrum" and included some actors who were non verbal.

"We try to do what [Kirk] is saying in that we don't hide disability, but bring it to the forefront," he said.

Smith has given StGiles 50 tickets to his Laughs of Launnie show, to be used for the organisation's client families, carers, nurses and staff.

Visit StGiles' office at 65 Amy Road to pick up a ticket.

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