Who we are
The Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment strengthens children and families affected by autism and neurodevelopmental disorders by raising awareness, advancing public policy, and funding the needs of the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri.
Together with the Thompson Center, we are making a difference in the lives of people affected by autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
What sets us apart
The Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment supports the comprehensive model and approach of the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment through its:
Family focus
The Thompson Center provides family-centered care by offering a range of clinical services in one location.
Diverse and evidence-based research
A diverse group of researchers generates highly productive outcomes for the population the Thompson Center serves and clinicians only recommend interventions and approaches proven to be effective through research.
Clinical breadth
The Thompson Center offers a range of health, educational, and behavioral services for individuals with autism and other developmental concerns.
Training scope and university partnership
The Thompson Center provides an interdisciplinary approach to extensive training for parents, professionals, and communities that is reinforced by the University of Missouri’s resource-rich environment, which also helps to recruit and retain exemplary clinicians and staff.
Culture of excellence
The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment is 1 of 7 Signature Centers and Institutes housed at the world-class research institution, the University of Missouri, where discovery and interdisciplinary collaboration are fostered in all academic fields. By focusing on real-world problems, MU’s collaborative networks secure external funding, recruit top students, attract prominent scholars and scientists, create jobs, and improve quality of life.
Additionally, the Thompson Center is a stand-out among the Signature Centers and Institutes serving as a clinical site within the MU Health Care system, fully encompassing three Pillars of Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Research, Training, and Clinical Services.
Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri
The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri is a national leader in diagnosing, researching, and treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Because it is affiliated with the University, it also serves as a training facility for students, practitioners, and businesses who work with this deserving population and their families.
Researchers collaborate with patient care teams to provide comprehensive treatment while training future health professionals. By taking this holistic approach, the Thompson Center offers specialized programs for adults with autism, families, professionals, and organizations. Approximately 127 MU students are trained through programs provided by the Thompson Center per quarter. Autism Friendly Business training supports inclusive communities for both employers and service providers, and families facing a new diagnosis of autism get questions answered through on-demand webinars.
Training Hours per Quarter
The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment offers family-centered care that is coordinated, comprehensive, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and accessible for all. The Thompson Center primarily serves patients in Missouri and the midwest.
Board of Directors
Leadership
Irvine, CA
St. Louis, MO
Retired, President & CEO, AT&T Southwestern Bell
Dallas, TX
Directors
Columbia, MO
Columbia, MO
Columbia, MO
High Ridge, MO
St. Louis, MO
Staff
The Thompson Family
Bill and Nancy Thompson first learned about autism spectrum disorder in 2005 from their daughter, Emily, who had received her master’s degree in Special Education from Chapman University and had been practicing as a behavioral therapist with children. She would describe the challenges these children faced, and the lack of resources at the time to manage their condition.
In 2005, the Thompsons donated $8.5 million to start and fund the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri. This extremely successful program, which has gained national recognition, provides top-in-the-nation clinical services to patients and families, world-class, clinical-based collaborative research, and best-in-practice training and education for healthcare professionals in the field. Since its founding, the Thompson Center has conducted 5,611 autism spectrum disorder diagnostic evaluations from 105 Missouri counties and 7 other states.
Bill and Nancy Thompson grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. They met in high school and have been married 54 years. They have been residents of California since 1981. Bill retired from the board of Citi in 2009 and is currently Chairman Emeritus of PIMCO, where he served as CEO for 16 years. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren and reside in Irvine, California.