September 28, 2017

2017 Thompson Center Autism Conference

By Emily Morrison

The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders held its 12th annual autism conference on Sept. 21-22 in Chesterfield, Mo. This year’s conference set a record with 500 participants. This year’s participants included health care providers, special educators, behavior analysts and parents who work with people with autism on a regular basis.

Speakers at the conference included some of the most well-recognized leaders in autism care and research, including keynote speakers Dr. Wendy Chung from the Simons Foundation and Dr. James McPartland from the Yale School of Medicine. This year’s conference also featured a research poster session where researchers from around the Midwest were able to present their study findings to conference participants and fellow researchers.

A photo of a large room full of people listening to a speaker. — A record-breaking 500 autism professionals and parents attended the 2017 Thompson Center Autism Conference.

Dr. Wendy Chung, Director of Clinical Research at SFARI at the Simons Foundation, gives the Thursday morning keynote address at a podium. — Dr. Wendy Chung, Director of Clinical Research at SFARI at the Simons Foundation, gives the Thursday morning keynote address.

A women speaks face to face with a man. — Dr. Wendy Chung discusses her research with a conference attendee.

A man standing in front of poster speaks with a woman. — Mario Wilson, an undergraduate student at the University of Missouri, presents his research during the Autism Conference research poster session.

A woman listens intently to a speaker. — Conference participants listen intently to one of the speakers. Speakers at this year’s conference were selected for their internationally renowned expertise in autism.

Dr. Stephen Kanne speaks at the conference at a podium. — Dr. Stephen Kanne, Executive Director of the Thompson Center, gives the conference audience an update on his research with Cognoa.