Foster Care Clinic
The foster care clinical team at the Thompson Center works collaboratively with the Children’s Division (formerly the Division of Family Services), biological and foster families, and other involved parties to ensure a comprehensive understanding of a child’s situation when diagnosing autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. We prioritize consideration of the full picture to provide accurate and compassionate assessments, support, and care for each child’s unique needs.
Who is eligible?
This clinic is for children in the foster care system who are otherwise eligible for an autism diagnostic evaluation at the Thompson Center.
What can I expect during a Foster Care Clinic appointment?
An appointment with our foster care clinical team runs similarly to other autism diagnostic clinics. Providers review available medical and educational records, interview caregivers and the patient, conduct behavior observations, administer appropriate tests, and provide diagnoses and recommendations. The foster care clinic is unique, however, in several ways. Extensive documentation is obtained, including court records; all caregivers are invited to participate in the clinical interview (biological and foster parents, case managers, others); and consideration of an extensive range of diagnoses occurs. Because foster children often have complex patient histories, the foster care clinic team has extensive training and expertise in both neurodevelopmental disorders and the foster care system.
Thompson Center Launches Foster Care Clinic
Go behind the scenes of the Foster Care Clinic in this article from the clinic’s launch in summer 2022.
Is the Foster Care Clinic covered by insurance?
The costs of this clinic are generally covered by the insurance provided to Missouri children in foster care. Contact your insurance provider for detailed coverage information.
How can I get started?
Parents, guardians, educators, case managers, and others can refer a child for an autism evaluation on our website. Be sure to indicate whether or not the patient is in the foster care system.