Thompson Center assessment specialists host annual two-day training

COLUMBIA, MO (Feb. 6, 2017) — On Jan. 25-27, our Autism Assessment Specialists division trained 16 health providers and psychologists in the ADOS-2, the primary diagnostic assessment for autism.

Attendees joined the annual training from school districts, universities and service agencies across the state ranging from school psychologists, clinical psychologists, doctoral students and speech-language pathologists.

Led by Thompson Center Executive Director and independent ADOS trainer Dr. Stephen Kanne, researchers and clinicians with experience in autism attend these workshops to ensure their reliability on administering the ADOS-2 in their own practices.

Visit our Training page for more information on professional training offered by the Thompson Center.

STRIVE program enters second recruiting cycle

COLUMBIA, MO (Feb. 2, 2017) — On the heels of a successful first year, STRIVE, the Thompson Center’s job preparation program, is now recruiting participants for fall 2017.

STRIVE, which stands for Self-Determined Transition Readiness through Individual Vocational Experiences, is a 10-month, 2 semester program open to young adults with an autism diagnosis between the ages of 18 and 25.

STRIVE’s specialized curriculum targets self-determination, career preparation and social skills in an environment where participants can learn and practice skills through classwork, peer mentoring, job shadowing and paid work experiences on the University of Missouri campus. The goal of STRIVE is to target the behaviors and difficulties in social interactions that are characteristic of ASD and reinforce the skills needed to secure and sustain employment for young adults.

One participant in the current pilot year group moved from her parents’ home in the St. Louis suburbs to her own apartment in Columbia to participate in STRIVE.

“Her growth has been tremendous,” said transition coordinator Maya Tarter. “While she was very anxious and a little uncertain about her new independence at the beginning of the program, she now seeks out new experiences like participating in a community choir, working a seasonal job in retail, trying new recipes and learning French. Her growing confidence and ability to find her own happiness is what STRIVE is all about.”

Visit the STRIVE site for more information and application materials.

Longtime Thompson Center nurse earns doctorate

Congratulations to Dr. Cynthia Mehrer, who graduated in 2016 with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP) from MU’s Sinclair School of Nursing and is now a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Dr. Mehrer began her provider practice in the new year, which has expanded diagnostic and treatment services at the Thompson Center. Dr. Mehrer has worked with our Thompson Center families since we opened in 2005 and practiced with Dr. Judy Miles for many years before the Thompson Center was formed.

Thompson Center expands with purchase of adjacent Keene Street building

COLUMBIA — With a generous $5 million allocation in the 2017 state budget proposed by Gov. Jay Nixon, the Thompson Center acquired an additional building in the medical corridor off of Keene Street in Columbia.

The new building was previously home to Primaris, a healthcare quality company that will remain as a short-term tenant through 2017, and was purchased by the University of Missouri for the Thompson Center in August.

Research and training staff will relocate to the new building, which is adjacent to the current Thompson Center building at 205 Portland St., in 2017, following remodeling the bottom floor into office and research space.

Clinical services will remain in the Portland Street building, and additional clinical space will be outfitted to serve more clinic patients in the current location.

School of Health Professions Partners with Thompson Center for New Master’s Program in Applied Behavior Analysis

COLUMBIA — Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is one of the most effective treatments for children with autism, but the work is so specialized that a provider shortage across the country, as well as in Missouri, keeps many children from receiving needed services in their communities.

With a new master’s degree in ABA, SHP and the Thompson Center are providing much needed training in a critical area of healthcare for families across Missouri.

“Our hope is that students will graduate, sit for the exam to become certified ABA providers, known as Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and begin practicing in local communities, where ABA services are in great demand,” said Assistant Visiting Professor Casey Clay, who is supervising the students in the practicum portion of the program.

Dean of MU School of Health Professions, Kristofer Hagglund, also noted that the new program aligns with the school’s mission to improve the health and well-being of others, “It’s exciting that our faculty and clinicians are able to identify the health needs of our communities and then meet those needs through new educational and training programs, clinical services, and through state-of-the-art translational research. Our graduates are critical health care providers and leaders in communities across Missouri.”

The program, was developed by Dr. SungWoo Kahng, Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Health Psychology at MU, and the Director of the Applied Behavioral Intervention Services Division at the Thompson Center. It will include an average of 25 hours per week of an intensive practicum experience at the Thompson Center working in one of the ABA-based clinics, including Early Intensive Behavior Intervention, Severe Behavior Clinic, Behavior Parent Training Clinic, ISAP (Intensive Skill Acquisition Program), Leaps Ahead and Tiger Pals. Dr. Kahng added, “Our goal is to train students to become exceptional practitioners of ABA-based interventions to improve the quality of life for people with behavioral needs.”

“This new ABA program is one way that SHP and the Thompson Center are working to alleviate the shortage of qualified behavior analysts in Missouri,” said Thompson Center Executive Director Stephen Kanne. “As the program grows, our goal is to see more service providers throughout the state who can work with children with autism locally, without requiring families to travel long distances to get services.”

The program is now accepting applications for the fall of 2017. Applicants should have prior academic or service experience in ABA. Interested applicants can visit the MU School of Health Professions Department of Health Psychology website for more information.

Thompson Center’s newest program on transition welcomes job seekers and renowned self-advocate

COLUMBIA — The Thompson Center welcomed its first cohort of students in its program called STRIVE, or Self-determined Transition Readiness and Vocational Experience, which provides direct instruction using a specialized curriculum, job shadowing, peer mentoring and work experience through the University of Missouri for individuals with autism transitioning to adulthood.

This fall, five young adults ages 18 to 24 joined the STRIVE program’s first semester on MU’s campus to receive classroom instruction in job-related skills, such as interviewing, resume-writing, and interpersonal interactions on the job. They’ll also be mentored by peers at MU and shadow employees on the job to understand their

In the spring semester, participants will work in various departments at MU based on their individual skills and strengths, earning valuable work experience tosupport their future job searches.

“The ultimate goal is to support participants in finding meaningful employment as adults, and having work experience on their resume can show potential employers a successful job record,” said Maya Tarter, transition coordinator for STRIVE.

The program also brought a renowned national speaker on autism self-advocacy, author Aaron Likens, to give a public lecture on his experiences as an individual with autism. Many of the STRIVE participants were in the audience of about 50 attendees.

Likens’ blog, “Life on the Other Side of the Wall,” and book Finding Kansas echo his message to young adults during the presentation: not to let autism define them or their potential for finding meaningful work and relationships throughout their lives.

“Aaron’s message of self-determination mixed with humor and personal stories captivated everyone at the presentation,” said STRIVE program coordinator Cortney Fish. “STRIVE participants found themselves able to relate to Aaron’s experiences and challenges, but most importantly participants walked away with the message that their autism does not define who they are or what they can become.”

Thompson Center draws governor, national autism experts to record attendee crowd at annual conference

By Adrienne Cornwall

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. (Oct. 7, 2016) — Nearly 300 educators, medical professionals and behavior analysts, as well as Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, attended the Thompson Center’s 11th annual Autism Conference in St. Louis in September.

“It was definitely our best-attended annual conference so far. Our presenters are internationally recognized experts in autism who cover topics relevant to professionals working with children with autism, and it’s an incredible opportunity to learn from them right here in Missouri,” said Thompson Center Executive Director Dr. Stephen Kanne.

Gov. Nixon addressed the attendees on the conference’s first day, discussing the progress that Missouri has made in services for individuals with disabilities during his tenure.

“State support for the Thompson Center is part of an historic, $200 million investment in improvements to our mental health system that will help Missourians with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges live fuller, happier, and more productive lives,” Nixon said.

Keynote speakers Dr. Gordon Ramsay, director of the Spoken Communication Laboratory at the Marcus Institute for Autism at Emory University, and Dr. John Maag, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, delved into in-depth professional topics with attendees.

Ramsay, who specializes in communication, presented current research on how autism can affect speech and language development in infants. Maag, a professor of special education, shared techniques for reducing resistance during interactions with children with autism in the classroom and clinical settings.

Other sessions included presentations on transition to adulthood, sexuality and puberty, assistive communication, and current research into biomarkers for autism, with speakers hailing from as far as Yale, Vanderbilt University and the University of California, San Francisco.

Before departing, Nixon commended the attendees on their dedication to improving the lives, educational experiences and health of children with autism as a team of professionals working together.

“The ultimate milestone – prevention – still lies beyond the horizon. But there is hope. With continued research – and conferences like this one – new and even more effective tools and treatments will be developed,” Nixon said. “Until that final milestone is achieved, let us continue to dedicate ourselves to serving others, working together to help all those with autism lead full and happy lives.”

Gov. Nixon discusses Missouri’s legacy on access to Autism treatment during address to the Thompson Center on Autism conference in St. Louis

From Gov. Nixon’s website, Sept. 22, 2016

St. Louis, MO — Gov. Jay Nixon today addressed the Thompson Center for Autism conference in St. Louis to discuss the state’s legacy and achievements in making autism treatments and services more available to Missouri children and their families.

“When I first became Governor, awareness of autism and its impact was just entering the mainstream. Many families didn’t know where to turn for help. Here in Missouri, we set out to change that, and we did,” Gov. Nixon said. “Today, thousands of families throughout Missouri are able to afford applied behavioral analysis therapy for their children because of the law we passed in 2010. Together, we are building a future where all children have an opportunity to live up to their God-given potential.”

Beginning in 2009, Gov. Nixon called on the Missouri General Assembly to pass legislation that would prevent insurance companies from denying children with autism the coverage they desperately needed. In 2010, the Missouri General Assembly passed, and the Governor signed, bipartisan legislation meeting this important need.

As a result of this landmark law, for the first time, insurance companies were required to cover one of the most highly effective types of therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA. While effective, the cost of ABA can exceed tens of thousands of dollars a year, making insurance coverage necessary for most families.

Recently, the state’s annual autism report found that more Missouri children are benefiting from Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) than ever before, with thousands of children with autism receiving treatment – covered by their insurance companies – for autism-related conditions.

Gov. Nixon has continued this momentum with targeted investments to increase and expand access to autism treatments, and to train more Missourians in these types of therapies.

The Fiscal Year 2017 budget follows the Governor’s recommendation for historic investments in services for Missourians with developmental disabilities, including $5 million to expand the Thompson Center for Autism, in Columbia and $500,000 to expand services at the Mercy Kids Autism Center in St. Louis and St. Charles counties.

This past June, the Governor joined Truman State University President Troy Paino as well as educators, advocates, treatment providers and families to announce $5.5 million in state funding for a new Inter-Professional Autism Clinic at the former Greenwood Elementary School in Kirksville. The clinic will provide comprehensive autism services currently lacking in Kirksville and the surrounding area of northeast Missouri.

To learn more about Missouri’s efforts to increase access to quality health care under Gov. Nixon, please visit MO.gov

Nixon touts progress on autism

From Missouri Times, Sept. 22, 2016

ST. LOUIS — Gov. Jay Nixon praised the ground Missouri has gained on treating autism during his tenure as governor in an address to a conference at the Thompson Center on Autism Thursday.

Nixon said more families are receiving better treatments for children with autism thanks to changes in what treatments insurers must provide.

“When I first became Governor, awareness of autism and its impact was just entering the mainstream. Many families didn’t know where to turn for help. Here in Missouri, we set out to change that, and we did,” Nixon said. “Today, thousands of families throughout Missouri are able to afford applied behavioral analysis therapy for their children because of the law we passed in 2010. Together, we are building a future where all children have an opportunity to live up to their God-given potential.”

In 2010, Nixon signed HB 1311, which required insurance companies to cover applied behavioral analysis up to $40,000 a year. The costly therapy is also considered one of the most effective in treating autism.

Nixon touted this year’s state autism report, which found that thousands more Missouri children have benefitted from the treatment.

Nixon has also used the budget to address autism. The FY 2017 budget includes $5 million to expand the Thompson Center for Autism in Columbia and $500,000 to expand services at the Mercy Kids Autism Center in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties. In June, Nixon announced $5.5 million in state funding for a new Inter-Professional Autism Clinic in Kirksville, which would provide comprehensive autism services in northeast Missouri.

Spotlight on the Spectrum

Autism Conference offers key takeaways for parents, teachers and other professionals

By Adrienne Cornwall

During the last week of September, the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders hosted a two-day conference on the current health, education and behavioral research and practices in autism at the DoubleTree St. Louis Hotel in Chesterfield.

Here are our highlights:

Genetic research is leading to the development of individualized medical treatments. Keynote speakers Dr. Antonio Hardan of Stanford University and Dr. Raphael Bernier of Seattle Children’s Hospital Autism Center offered snapshots of the state of genetic research and neuroscience related to autism. Bernier also shared some early findings of his genetics research, which is focused on identifying common genetic variations in individuals with autism. Two such variations work on identifiable neural pathways that regulate the activity of certain neurochemicals in the brain. By offering specific medications known to act on that pathway, Bernier has found some success in his clinic with alleviating certain behavioral symptoms with these individualized treatments based on the patient’s genetic variation. The two genetic variations he has identified account for only about 20 percent of autism patients in his research studies, and about 50 percent of autism cases in his research groups have been associated with a known genetic variation. While full-scale clinical trials have not begun, Bernier concluded that individualized treatment for autism spectrum disorders based on genetic and biological makeup will complement current best practices in behavioral therapy as the future of autism care.

“We’re not there yet, but that’s where we’re headed,” Bernier said.

Keeping kids safe takes a village.

On the eve of the conference, a panel of experts from the Thompson Center, including Executive Director Dr. Stephen Kanne, behavior expert Dr. SungWoo Kahng, and training expert Anna Laakman, joined Bernier and Dr. John Mantovani, director of the Mercy Kids Autism Center in St. Louis, to field questions submitted by parents and family members.

One primary area of interest for parents was safety, which is understandable considering that nearly half of all children with autism will wander. Training Core Administrator Anna Laakman had several tips for parents in the audience. First, plan ahead: Let local law enforcement, neighbors and others in your community know about your child and his or her preferred environments – often the first places a wandering child might seek. Second, invest in an identification system for your child, whether it’s an ID card (a version is available at nationalautismassociation.org) or temporary tattoos with emergency contact information. Finally, Laakman recommended that all families teach their children to swim. Children with autism are particularly drawn to water – lakes, oceans, ponds, fountains, pools, and retention ponds – and knowing how to swim can save the child’s life. Some online safety resources for families include the Big Red Safety Box and the 100 Day Toolkit from Autism Speaks.

Teachers should include measurable autism-specific goals in a collaborative IEP process with parents.

Lisa Ruble from the University of Kentucky presented key elements of effective educational programs for children with autism for teachers to incorporate into classroom. Her suggestions, which are based on a model she and her peers developed call COMPASS, include setting objective, measurable goals to improve students’ performance in areas specific to autism, such as social communication, adaptive skills, and learning and work behavior skills. She recommended collaborating with families to incorporate evidence-based practices into setting specific, measurable goals on individual education plans that serve each student’s unique needs. Resources for applying these recommendations to classrooms can be found through the National Professional Development Center, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, and the National Autism Center. The Thompson Center also offers free educator training in individual classrooms or district-wide through the TEAM program funded by the state. Training for other professionals, such as health providers, emergency responders, caregivers and applied behavior analysts, is also provided through TEAM and other programs at the Thompson Center.

Understand the differences between autism and similar disorders to get kids the right services.

Pediatrician Gretchen Meyer, director of Mercy Kids Autism Services, shared her insight on differentiating between a diagnosis of autism versus other disorders that share some overlap in symptoms, such as ADHD, anxiety, speech and hearing difficulties, learning disabilities, oppositional-defiant disorder or social communication disorder. To meet diagnostic criteria for autism, individuals must have deficits in both the social communication and interaction domain as well as restricted interests and/or repetitive behaviors. Many other diagnoses include some similar symptoms in these areas, but the presence of other symptoms or the lack of the other required deficits for an autism diagnosis make another diagnosis more appropriate. So, often children may meet some but not all criteria for autism. Differentiating between these disorders can help specialists treat patients more appropriately, and other disorders should be considered and ruled out. By understanding the true distinguishing symptoms of autism, Meyer hopes that teachers, parents and other health providers can make more accurate referrals to help children sooner with an appropriate diagnosis and relevant services. The Thompson Center offers a free online training module that walks through the screening process and diagnostic criteria for those who are interest.