Children with neurodevelopmental disorders have health conditions that disrupt the way the brain and nervous system develop. There are many different types of neurodevelopmental disorders. Some we can identify when a child is young, such as autism, Down syndrome, spina bifida, very low birth weight, and often Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Language Disorders, or learning disorders. Others are related to illness or injury and can affect a child later in life, such as a traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, spinal cord injury, childhood cancer, or stroke.

The CDC estimates that up to 1 in 36 children has autism, and 1 in 6 children has a developmental disability or delay.

Most cases of autism are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no known cause for autism.

Autistic individuals show difficulties with social communication and social interaction, and repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. However, children with autism differ greatly in the severity and types of behaviors observed.

• Difficulty with social and communication skills can be an early sign of autism. This includes making little eye contact, not responding to their name, lack of response to others’ facial expressions, lack of interest in social activities with other children, delayed language development, and more.
• Repetitive behaviors such as rocking, flapping hands, or repeating phrases can also be signs of autism.
• Restricted interests and adherence to routines can also point to autism. These can include interest in repetitive activities, or an intense area of interest in specific toys or activities.

An evaluation of autism may be made by a physician or psychologist with expertise in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder. The evaluation may include: detailed history, physical, and neurologic exam; observation of the child at play and interaction with the caregiver; standardized autism rating scale or observation schedule; hearing test; language evaluation; cognitive testing; laboratory tests such as chromosomes, Fragile X, or microarray; and neurologic tests such as an EEG or MRI.

There is no single, definitive therapy or intervention for autistic individuals. However, there is exciting research that shows early behavioral interventions help to maximize each child’s potential. Early diagnosis, followed by comprehensive and intensive early interventions, can produce better outcomes for many children with autism. These could include behavioral interventions; speech, occupational, and physical therapies; and medical care.

The Thompson Center provides clinical services, research, and training related to autism and neurodevelopment. The Thompson Foundation financially supports the work of the Thompson Center, along with raising awareness for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders and advancing public policy.

The Thompson Center provides clinical services, research, and training related to autism and neurodevelopment.

The Thompson Center offers autism diagnostic services, psychological services, medical care for autism, Applied Behavior Analysis, occupational and speech therapy, and many specialty clinics. These include the Down Syndrome clinic, Cerebral Palsy clinic, rare diseases clinic, post-concussion care, and NICU follow-up care.

The Thompson Center serves nearly every Missouri county and approximately 20 other states. International patients have also traveled to receive services at the Thompson Center.

Parents/guardians, physicians, school professionals, therapists, and agencies working with the patient can refer patients to the Thompson Center. Please complete a referral form.

Interdisciplinary research teams including physicians, psychologists, research scientists, educators, communication experts, occupational therapists, nurses, and other health professionals seek discoveries that will lead to early identification, treatment, and improved outcomes of autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

The Thompson Center provides best-practice training for therapists, providers, and students in Applied Behavioral Analysis, medicine, psychology, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, education, and other individuals and organizations who provide treatment to those with autism. They also provide training for autistic people and their family members, as well as Autism-Friendly Business Training.

The Thompson Foundation has gained prominence for our efforts in crafting and shepherding successful legislation through the Missouri Legislature that requires insurance providers to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism, including behavioral therapy. We have also successfully secured state funding for a new, future home for the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment.

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Our tax ID number is 20-8293152. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment acknowledges all perspectives regarding language used to describe autism, and recognizes the difference between consciously choosing a label as a part of one’s identity, and having someone else make that choice for them. Some individuals with an autism diagnosis prefer to use person-first language of “person with autism.” Other self-advocates prefer to use the identity-first term of “autistic.” The Thompson Foundation will defer to an individual’s preference if known, and use language that the autism community finds clear, respectful, and understandable.