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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

Researchers & Studies

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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

August 6, 2021

Training Specialist Spotlight: Meet Jaclyn Benigno

By Cammie Burton

The Training Core provides trainings for a wide variety of groups including educators, BCBAs, medical providers, community agencies, and parents/caregivers. In addition to our trainings, we also do school classroom consultations, facilitate our STRIVE program for young adults with autism and work with businesses through the Autism Friendly Business Program. One of our newest projects is the Supporting the Spectrum Podcast which you can listen to on our website or the Apple Podcast App.  

This month, we will met our amazing training specialists and learn a little bit more about them and why they are passionate about working with children with autism!

What’s your name?

Jaclyn Benigno

Where did you grow up?

St. Louis

What is your position at the Thompson Center?

Research Associate for the Training Core

How long have you worked at the Thompson Center?

I started full time 3 years ago

What is your role at the Thompson Center?

My role is a combination of training and coordination. I am the lead instructor for the STRIVE program and provide trainings for educators and parents. I also coordinate many of the TRC’s webinars and trainings and support the TIPS program as the data coordinator. I am also a Build Up Morale member and a member of the Thompson Center Inclusion Committee .

What got you interested in working with autism?

I worked with a little boy with autism at the Robert G. Combs preschool and from there I had the desire to learn more about autism. At the same time, the College of Education was starting up a masters program specifically in autism. I jumped at the chance and have been working in the field of autism ever since.

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

My favorite part is working with the young adults in the STRIVE program. It is awesome to see what they can accomplish in a year.