Skip to content

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

Join A Study

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

Student & Postdoctoral Training

The University of Missouri and the Thompson Center offer a variety of educational and training opportunities for students at all levels, ranging from degree programs to internships to postdoctoral fellowships.

Postdoctoral Residencies

Autism-focused and pediatric neuropsychology residencies are available through the University of Missouri College of Health Sciences at the Thompson Center.

Internship (APA Accredited)

Internships in pediatric psychology, pediatric neuropsychology, and health psychology through the University of Missouri College of Health Sciences at the Thompson Center.

Practicum Site

Varied practicum and other training opportunities exist for students at MU in collaboration with the the Departments of Health Psychology, Psychological Sciences, and Educational, Counseling, and School Psychology within the MU College of Health Sciences.

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship

The University of Missouri School of Medicine Department of Child Health offers a unique three-year Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics fellowship that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Rotation

Students in MU’s Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship program will have the opportunity to learn more about autism and neurodevelopment in the rotation at the Thompson Center.

Developmental Rotations & Continuity Clinics

These opportunities are available for third- and fourth-year medical students.

Residency Rotations

Additional Observations

The following University of Missouri students may also have the opportunity to observe at the Thompson Center as part of their programs:

  • Child Life Specialist Students
  • Nurse Practitioner Students
  • Pre-Medical Students
  • First Year Medical Students

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at the University of Missouri trains students to be exceptional behavior analysts with the skills to improve quality of life for people with behavioral challenges, including children and adults with developmental needs. Central to this program is a collaboration with the Thompson Center, which serves as the primary practicum site and provides an exceptional experiential learning opportunity working with children and young adults with developmental needs.

Master of Education in Special Education – Autism

The University of Missouri’s online master’s degree in autism equips students with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of autistic children and teens, as well as their families. Through a flexible online format and expert-led curriculum, students will gain deep insights into autism and evidence-based interventions, preparing them to be a compassionate and effective advocate for holistic development.

Master of Health Sciences Clinical Practicum Opportunities

The Thompson Center is one of several practicum sites available for students working toward their M.H.S. in Speech-Language Pathology.

TIPS for Kids

Training in Interdisciplinary Partnerships and Services (TIPS) for Kids is the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) training program in Missouri. The LEND program provides intensive training for advanced graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities, particularly autism. The core training consists of 300 hours over the course of an academic year.