Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment

11/15/2025

NewsNation anchor and bestselling author Leland Vittert will be signing copies of his new book, Born Lucky, for FREE at the Thompson Center on Nov. 23! The first 20 registrants get a free book, so save your spot now! ➡️ https://bit.ly/BornLuckyTC

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11/14/2025

The holiday rush is coming, and we want to help! 🙌 Join us this Monday for Caregiver Connections and free pizza to learn practical strategies for navigating holiday chaos! 🎁

Caregiver Connections is a supportive space for caregivers of neurodivergent individuals to connect and share resources. Advance registration is not required, but greatly appreciated! ➡️ https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_57rhZ85Av30poLI

11/13/2025

Today we are extra grateful for our Genetics Counselor, Isabella Steinbach!🌟

With her compassion and specialized knowledge, Isabella "puts a bow" 🎀 on our medical team by providing our families with the genetics expertise and care they need. Thank you for everything you do, Isabella! We appreciate you!

11/13/2025

Tomorrow! Join us for an incredible webinar with the Thompson Center's own Dr. Jennifer Sykes about Promoting Neurodiversity Acceptance in Clinical Practice. Register now to get the webinar link ➡️ https://bit.ly/TEAMPsychWebinar

This presentation highlights the role of psychologists and mental health professionals in fostering neurodiversity-affirming practices. Participants will examine the principles of the neurodiversity paradigm, contrast deficit-based and strengths-based approaches, and learn strategies for reducing stigma in clinical work. Emphasis will be placed on balancing evidence-based care with respect for autistic identity and autonomy, as well as ethical considerations for practice. See you tomorrow!

11/12/2025

Meet NY Times bestselling author and NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert for FREE at the Thompson Center on Nov. 23! The first 20 registrants get a free book, so save your spot now! ➡️ https://bit.ly/BornLuckyTC

11/12/2025

Congratulations 🎉 to Columbia Dentistry for Children and Capital Dentistry for Children on completing Autism Friendly Business training! ♾️ Please join us in congratulating them!

The Columbia Dentistry for Children and Capital Dentistry for Children teams have a mission of providing friendly, dedicated, and energetic service and are committed to working with families to create positive dental experiences with every visit. Autism Friendly Business training equips them to support neurodiverse patients through practical strategies, personalized tools, and on-going support. Together, we're building a community that celebrates individuals of all abilities.

👉 Interested in the Thompson Center's Autism Friendly Business training? Learn more at thompsoncenter.missouri.edu/afb

11/11/2025

In observance of Veterans Day, the Thompson Center is closed today, Nov. 11, and will reopen tomorrow, Nov. 12. We share our heartfelt gratitude for all veterans today, as well as those currently serving to protect our country.

11/09/2025

Many Columbia businesses are offering resources for families who need additional support if SNAP benefits are inaccessible. The Columbia Missourian recently shared a roundup of several ways that our community is offering support during this time: https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/local-businesses-offering-food-to-support-snap-beneficiaries/article_4d5c075b-fd3a-4843-aae0-8136a6131d7e.html?utm_source=SocialNewsDesk&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SND_scheduled_post&fbclid=IwY2xjawN65qZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFyQmJ6Tm05MUFBR3I4SnRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHt16PmKiUfHKjC_edORqYiZQFupFLRE8J9MgXhSZxJlhuiO9n6QXpYudyxMT_aem_iw3HZsbd4s7q3TtNT_HGFA

The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri also provides a helpful Food Locator tool to help families find local pantries: https://sharefoodbringhope.org/programs/food-locator/

11/08/2025

Join us for free pizza on December 3 at Shakespeare's Pizza!🍕 We're inviting members of the autism community to join a small focus group to share experiences and ideas. Your input will help shape the future of our Autism Friendly Business program, guiding local businesses on how to better support families in our community. Please register in advance at https://redcap.link/tcafcommunity

11/06/2025

Today we're celebrating Occupational Therapist Appreciation Day at the Thompson Center! 🌟

This small but mighty team strengthens our patients by working with them to develop fine and gross motor skills. Our occupational therapists address the unique needs of each patient with compassion, working with sensory related needs and meeting each family's goals with confidence. Thank you, OT Team! We appreciate you! 👏
University of Missouri Occupational Therapy