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

Communication Webinar Series: Emergent Communication

This session will provide strategies for increasing communication and engagement for children with emergent language skills using evidenced based intervention for improving social-communication, play, and adaptive skills. 

Behavior Webinar Series: Supporting Appropriate Behavior

This session will provide educational professionals with an overview of strategies to promote appropriate behavior in the classroom setting. The content will include functional information on why problem behavior may occur. Strategies to address the environment as well as teach/reinforce new behavior will be discussed. We recommend you also attend the Functional Behavior Assessment webinar. Note: This session is not intended for BCBAs. 

Webinar: What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Join us for an introductory webinar on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This session provides a foundational exploration of ASD, covering the core characteristics of social communication differences and restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior. We will also dispel common myths about autism. Learn about the diverse ways autism can manifest to better support all students in your learning environment.

Training Spotlight: Mackenzie Cissne

Mackenzie Cissne joined the Thompson Center in June 2021 as a graduate research assistant working with Dr. Kerri Nowell. Mackenzie is also working with Dr. Connie Brooks and Dr. Michael Morhland on the psychology team as a practicum student. Her research areas of interest include cognitive and functional outcomes of individuals with developmental disorders, specifically outcomes in executive functioning, including inhibitory control, working memory, flexibility, and metacognition.

Postdoctoral Fellow Awarded National Institute of Mental Health F32 Grant

Erin Andres, Ph.D. has been awarded an individual postdoctoral fellowship (F32) by the National Institute of Mental Health to support training and a specific research project. The F32 fellowship grants are part of a prestigious program of the National Institutes of Health to invest in and promote talented early-stage researchers.

Thompson Foundation, ACE Program Receive Local Impact Grant

The Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment was awarded the Autism Speaks 2023 Local Impact Grant. This grant will go towards funding the Thompson Center’s Accessing Career Experiences (ACE) program. This grant was awarded to 23 organizations from 13 states that serve the autism community.