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We’re here to help.

Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to address your unique needs and provide the best possible care for your child’s neurodevelopmental journey.

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Teaching for a stronger community.

We are here to equip learners with the essentials skills needed to create positive change in the lives of people with developmental differences.

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Researching for a better tomorrow.

Our goal is to unlock discoveries that will revolutionize the lives of individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses.

Learn more

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We’re here to help.

Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to address your unique needs and provide the best possible care for your child’s neurodevelopmental journey.

Learn more

Teaching for a stronger community.

We are here to equip learners with the essentials skills needed to create positive change in the lives of people with developmental differences.

Learn more

Researching for a better tomorrow.

Our goal is to unlock discoveries that will revolutionize the lives of individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses.

Learn more

Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment

205 Portland Street, Columbia, MO 65211

573-884-6052

June 10, 2021

Psychology Technician Spotlight: Meet Lauren Vaughan

By Emily Morrison
a picture of Lauren Vaughan

One of the most important things we do at the Thompson Center is perform in-depth psychological evaluations for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Each evaluation can take hours and we would not be able to perform nearly enough without the support of our dedicated psychology technicians!

This June, we will meet our amazing psych techs and learn a little bit more about them and why they are passionate about working with children with autism! First, we will meet Lauren Vaughan!

What’s your name?

Lauren Vaughan (soon to be Sapp!)

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Ashland, MO.

What is your position at the Thompson Center?

I’m a psychology technician.

How long have you worked at the Thompson Center?

I’ve been working here since January of 2021.

What is your role at the Thompson Center?

I conduct psychological testing with kids and write up behavioral observations for testing.

What got you interested in working with autism?

I did ABA therapy during my time living in Chicago and really fell in love with working with kids with autism.

What is your favorite thing about working at the Thompson Center?

I love getting to spend time with the kids and getting to be included on the conceptualization of their cases to see what the outcome of their visit is and how all of the information we received helped to shape that diagnosis and treatment plan.