Referrals & Scheduling
All new patients must submit a referral form AND additional follow-up paperwork before joining our scheduling list. The referral form can be submitted by the patient’s parent/caregiver, medical provider, teacher/school representative, therapist, or other professional.
Thompson Center Scheduling FAQ
How many patients are seen at the Thompson Center each year?
We serve 4,000+ families annually. In 2022, we had 15,000 patient visits. Our clinic includes 15 different subspecialties, ranging from diagnostic evaluations to medical services to applied behavior analysis.
Why does it take so long to get evaluation appointment at the Thompson Center?
The Thompson Center has several types of evaluation appointments with varying wait times. Once all required paperwork is completed, a patient will be added to a scheduling list based on which type of evaluation is the best fit for their age and reported neurodevelopmental characteristics. These thorough evaluations are typically comprised of a parent interview, testing, and feedback; most evaluation appointments last about four hours. If you are unsure about your child’s scheduling status, contact our front desk at (573) 884-6052.
Why do so many people need autism evaluations?
The autism prevalence rate has more than tripled since 2000. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 1 in 36 children has autism. The healthcare field has adapted slowly overall, resulting in waitlists for services nationwide.
What should I do while my child is waiting for an evaluation?
While an autism diagnosis is required for insurance to cover applied behavior analysis, other services do not. Follow up with our medical clinic if your child is experiencing issues with sleeping, eating, or toileting.
Check out our While You Wait series and resources pages for more information.
Check in with our Family Resource Services team for additional resources and services in your area. Contact our front desk and ask to speak with a family navigator.
Learn more about referrals and scheduling at the Thompson Center on Supporting the Spectrum: