Support groups
These links are provided as a service. However, the Thompson Center cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content.
Friends of the Thompson Center
Caring parents, family members, professionals, advocates and friends comprise the Friends of the Thompson Center. We believe that by encouraging and supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders, we can make a difference.
Family Partnership Program
Family Partnership is part of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Special Health Care Needs. It was developed to assist individuals with special needs and their families in building relationships with other families in similar situations and in obtaining useful information regarding health care benefits and choosing insurance plans.
Missouri statewide autism support groups for families (Missouri Department of Mental Health)
Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment (MO-FEAT)
MO-FEAT provides monthly parent support and informational meetings and quarterly community outings for family support and networking.
Institute of Human Development at UMKC
Briefly, the focus of the Institute for Human Development is to develop partnerships for effective social change.
- Missouri Developmental Disability Resource Center (MODDRC)
Provides information and referrals online or through phone contact for parents/caregivers, consumers and professionals on specific disabilities and related topics. Also provides support group and networking opportunities for parents of children with developmental disabilities. - Sharing Our Strengths
Missouri’s parent to parent/peer support network for parents of children with developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs, individuals with disabilities and professionals. Located at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development.
Judevine Center for Autism
The Judevine Center for Autism provides evaluations and assessments; specialized parent training; specialized training for professionals; training and consultation; workshops and seminars; family support; clinical therapies; transitional treatment; adult programs and support; and residential services for Missourians and beyond.
The Sibling Support Project
National program dedicated to the interests of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental or mental health needs.
Parent Link
ParentLink offers a toll free parenting and nutrition information line that is available to all Missouri parents, caregivers and professionals. ParentLink can help find answers to parenting questions through supportive conversation, referrals, and/or mailing research-based information. All calls are confidential within the limits of the law. Examples of calls typically received include: “My child has special needs. How can I help her sibling understand?", "I have concerns about proper nutrition for my child.", "Where can I find a parenting support group to connect with other parents?”
Touchpoint Autism Services, Inc.
TouchPoint Autism Services strives to be a single "touch point" for help and hope to families impacted by autism. Headquartered in St. Louis, the organization employs more than 500 staff members, has 26 residential homes, and seven office locations across the state of Missouri - annually serving more than 3,000 people with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
