Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment

02/19/2026

Check out the Columbia Young Scientists Expo for a sensory-friendly opportunity to make new personal scientific discoveries, thanks to our partners at The Connector!

The Columbia Young Scientists Expo will be a sensory-friendly event! 🥽🪲💫

But what does that mean?

The first hour of the Expo, 1-2pm, will be a sensory-friendly hour, with more consideration for the sensory needs of our attendees.

To become an Autism Friendly Business, The Connector and our expo vendors completed training and consultation on sensory awareness, communication strategies, and inclusive customer service with the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. Vendors and staff were equipped with tools and guidance to help ensure that every visitor feels safe, supported, and respected.

We will provide signage and visual schedules that communicate the layout of the rooms, as well as the sensory elements that might be included in a booth (light, animals, touch, sound or smell). Comfort kits with fidgets will be available upon request.

02/17/2026

Congratulations to the Museum of Anthropology, Mizzou on renewing their Autism Friendly Business training! 🎉

The University of Missouri's Museum of Anthropology was established in 1885 and it is the only anthropology museum in the state of Missouri. The Museum's collections of anthropological, archaeological and ethnographic objects have prompted visitors and scholars to broaden their understanding of human behavior, past and present. Located in Ellis Library, the Museum hosts free public events year-round, including lectures, children's workshops, and departmental collaborations. Autism Friendly Business training equips them to support neurodiverse employees & visitors 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

02/13/2026

Thompson Center researcher Dr. Stephen Sheinkopf and colleagues at Brown University released a new publication exploring possible answers to a common question in the autism community: factors that affect the age of diagnosis in autism. After examining two large independent databases (over 50,000 total participants), the researchers found that children with high co-occurring psychiatric conditions – who are ultimately diagnosed with ASD – experience later diagnosis. Find recently published Thompson Center research at https://brnw.ch/21wZVNc

02/11/2026

Families: join us for our free Caregiver Connections group on February 23! We're excited to welcome guest speaker Nancy Hanson from WeBUILT, an intentional community where adults with different needs live with independence, connection, and dignity. Sign up today at https://brnw.ch/21wZRhX

02/10/2026

Applications for the STRIVE post-secondary education program are now open! With a focus on non-credit employment and life skills development, the STRIVE program at the University of Missouri offers two semesters of comprehensive training tailored specifically for learners ages 18-30 with autism and similar diagnoses. Learn more and apply now at thompsoncenter.missouri.edu/strive/

02/09/2026

Our incredible partners make all the difference — so proud to work with the dedicated team at Down Syndrome Innovations - Central Missouri to provide compassionate care for Down syndrome families within and beyond the clinical setting!

02/06/2026

Coloring pages of our new Thompson Center building are now available! Color in one or all of our available coloring pages and share your completed coloring page with us for a chance to win a t-shirt and have your drawing entered into the new Thompson Center time capsule! Download the coloring pages and share your art with us at: https://bit.ly/TCColoringPage

02/03/2026

Join us tomorrow morning for Next Steps — no registration required! This workshop is designed for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children who have recently received an autism diagnosis. We'll cover several topics, including recognizing your child's strengths and connecting with support services. Free pizza included!

Meet us at the Thompson Center Research and Training Conference Rooms (200 N. Keene St., Columbia, MO) at 10 a.m. No RSVP required, just come on in!

02/02/2026

Today, we are extra grateful for our incredible Training Core! 🌟

This group of talented trainers leads our community to a greater appreciation of neurodiversity through several initiatives, including the Autism Friendly Business program, STRIVE post-secondary education program, TIPS (LEND) program for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, TEAM program for professional development, and Next Steps and Caregiver Connections meetings, helping families connect with one another and find resources.

The passion and commitment of this team is unmatched — we are so thankful for their tireless commitment to our families and community!

01/26/2026

All Thompson Center clinics are open today, January 26 — please travel safely and stay warm!

01/21/2026

This is a great opportunity to learn more about resources available through Social Security! Join us for a FREE webinar explaining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Kirsten Goodwin, Public Affairs Specialist at the Social Security Administration, will cover important eligibility factors for Social Security Disability Programs, as well as benefits available to children and adults with disabilities.

This webinar will be held on February 27 at 12:00 p.m. CST as part of the Thompson Center's TEAM program. Register now at https://bit.ly/TEAMFebWebinar

01/16/2026

The fun begins March 10✨
If you have an appointment at the Thompson Center on or after March 10, your appointment will be at the new Thompson Center at 701 Veterans United Dr, Columbia, MO. If you have an appointment before March 10, your appointment will be at our current facility at 205 Portland St. See you there!