Programs
The resources generated by the Thompson Foundation are used to support programs, facilities and professionals working in the field of autism at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Columbia, Missouri, and other national and statewide autism programs.
Additionally, the Thompson Foundation provides scholarships and financial support for families to obtain diagnosis, treatment and support services from the Thompson Center.
Thompson Center for Autism
Since its launch in 2005, the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri has become a national leader in confronting the challenges of autism and other developmental conditions through its collaborative research, training and service programs. As the largest center in Missouri specializing in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the Thompson Center serves as a centralized resource for families, educators, health care providers, researchers and state agency service providers.
The Thompson Center partners with families, national research networks and other entities to provide a broad range of vital clinical services and a promise for the future through groundbreaking research and professional training. While still striving to identify new models of care, the Center’s specialized medical, therapeutic, educational and behavioral interventions are helping individuals with autism reach their full potential today.
The Thompson Foundation operates independently of the Thompson Center. While the University of Missouri is the Thompson Center’s largest supporter, the Thompson Foundation provides additional financial and logistical support for the Center and the children and families who use its services.
Legislation Efforts
The Thompson Foundation is an advocate for children and families affected by autism and a reliable information resource for elected officials addressing autism-related legislation.
The Foundation is currently involved in two critical initiatives: legislation to mandate insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders in Missouri, and the Missouri Autism Guidelines Initiative, which establishes guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of autism that can be used throughout the state. Foundation Board Members Ron Ashworth and Gay Tompkins are currently driving these efforts.
