The Autism Society is thrilled to announce a new program hosted in partnership with Prism Behavioral Consulting, and the Nerd Lair Game and Hobby Store and funded by a generous donation from the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust.
Games & Gathering is a collaborative community initiative designed to provide neurodivergent children, teens and young adults with a structured, supportive, and fun social environment centered around tabletop card games and role playing games. This regularly scheduled group aims to foster peer connection, social skill development, and self-confidence through collaborative play.
The program will be hosted twice monthly in 2026 at two locations—Prism Behavioral Consulting (PBC) and The Nerd Lair Game & Hobby Store—with each location focusing on the age group they are best able to serve. One session each month will allow participants to play the Pokemon TCG, Magic: The Gathering (13 and up), and Disney’s Lorcana with peers in a relaxed and supportive environment. The second session each month will be an adapted one-shot Role Playing Game campaign facilitated by a trained Game Master and support staff. The Nerd Lair will provide 5% off coupons for use after sessions by participants from both locations for in-store purchases.
This program will run as quarterly seasons, with registration for each season opening one month before it begins. Spaces are limited and registration is required. The seasons will run as follows:
- Season 1: January-March
- Season 2: April-June
- Season 3: July-September
- Season 4: October-December
Registration is required, the form link is at the bottom of this page. Please review the additional information below before signing up.
Who should sign up?
Neurodivergent children, teens and young adults in the Greater New Orleans area who enjoy games and are seeking a low-pressure opportunity to make friends, build confidence, and have fun.
Where will the program be held?
- Prism Behavioral Consulting will serve neurodivergent participants ages 8-15, and on a case-by-case basis participants 16 and older with additional support needs.
- The Nerd Lair will serve neurodivergent participants 16 and up (guardians must remain with minors and any participants who need additional support, as The Nerd Lair is not equipped to provide high-support facilitation).
Both locations reserve the right to modify age ranges, participation guidelines, or other logistics to best suit their needs and capacity. If you have any questions about which location is right for you, please contact us at info@asgno.org.
How much does it cost to attend?
- $3 registration fee per session per person, or $15 per person if you register for the whole season in advance.
Do I need my own card decks or other materials to participate?
- No, starter decks will be available during the sessions for participants to play with at both locations.
- If you do have your own deck, you are welcome to bring it to the sessions.
- During Role playing game sessions all materials will be provided.
When will Games and Gathering meet?
This pilot program will meet twice monthly in each location in 2026 on the days and times specified below:
Prism Behavioral Consulting
Tabletop card games:
1st Monday of the month (on months with 1st Monday Holidays this program will meet on the 2nd Monday)
4:30-6:30 PM
4224 Florida Ave, Suite 5
Kenner, LA 70065
Role playing games:
3rd Saturday of the month (In April this event will meet on the 4th Saturday)
1:00-4:00 PM
4224 Florida Ave, Suite 5
Kenner, LA 70065
The Nerd Lair
Tabletop Card Games:
2nd Saturday of the month
4:00-6:00 PM
1445 Westbank Expressway, 5&6
Westwego, LA 70094
Role Playing Games:
2nd Saturday of the month
4:00-7:00 PM
1445 Westbank Expressway, 5&6
Westwego, LA 70094
Additional Information about each location:
Prism Behavioral Consulting (Children and Young Teens)
- There will be 2-3 trained staff members to support higher need individuals, regulation,
and self advocacy - We will incorporate therapeutic aspects utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
(ACT) that are woven into the structure of the game highlight how to work through
difficult moments, building self-esteem/compassion, and acceptance around
neurodiversity - Therapeutic environment which will allow for sensory breaks or input as needed (crash
pad, spinning chair, blankets, fidgets, break area) - Light snacks and drinks will be provided
- The Nerd Lair will provide 5% off coupons for use after sessions by participants from both locations for in-store purchases.
The Nerd Lair Game and Hobby Store (Older teens and Adults)
- Adult participants have three hours to play games with peers, have fun, and make new friends in an open and self-paced environment.
- For experienced players: Drop in, grab a deck (or bring your own), and get playing!
- For new players: Nerd Lair staff also onsite and available to help with learning how to play the games.
- The Nerd Lair will provide 5% off coupons for use after sessions by participants from both locations for in-store purchases.
