Around one in 44 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means numerous families are impacted and face daily struggles. It is the mission of the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri in Columbia to improve the lives of those affected by ASD and similar conditions through research, clinical services, training and education. The Thompson Foundation for Autism is an active partner in supporting the center’s initiatives.

Founded in 2005, the center offers accessible, comprehensive care for children and adults. “Our program is unique nationally because it’s so comprehensive,” executive director Stephen Sheinkopf, Ph.D., says. “It includes multiple levels of interdisciplinary clinical care and integrated training and research programs.” The Thompson Center’s reach can be felt throughout Missouri. It not only offers care to patients from across the state, but it also provides training and workforce development with a wide impact. “We touch nearly every county in the state,” he notes. “Collaborating with clinicians and stakeholders allows us to improve the ability of communities to better help people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.”

The Thompson Center’s major initiatives include its behavior analysis therapy program, which provides specialized treatment for young children, and its severe behavior clinic that works with the most challenging patients. “It’s very labor intensive, but by working with these patients, we help them and their families to be happier and more engaged with their communities,” Sheinkopf says. “For example, we offer a toileting program for individuals who have struggled to reach independence. It may seem like a small thing, but when patients are finished, they’ve reached a major milestone that will impact them and their families for the rest of their lives.”

The Thompson Center sees roughly 13,000 patient visits annually, representing 5,000 individuals. Even with that volume, there are still more than 1,000 children on its waitlist for diagnostic services, and there are more than 50 who have waited more than a year for treatment. “That’s too many children waiting too long,” Sheinkopf says. “It’s critical that we expand our capacity to meet the demand in Missouri. Nothing is more concerning than a young child waiting to receive the services they need.” This year, the center has been working to expand its specialized behavioral treatment program by both increasing physical space and recruiting new providers.

In order to grow, the Thompson Center relies on the support of the Thompson Foundation. The nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser is its AMAZE gala. This year, the event will be held Nov. 3 at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. “The funds we receive from the gala and the foundation go directly into supporting our staff, programs and research infrastructure, and it impacts the lives of our patients in tangible ways,” Sheinkopf says. “We’re so excited to have the event in St. Louis. While we’re located in Columbia, this is a statewide problem, and it’s wonderful to work with our partners and stakeholders in St. Louis.”

The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri-Columbia and its fundraising organization, the Thompson Foundation for Autism, will present their AMAZE 2022 gala Nov. 3 at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. Pictured on the cover: Honorary event chairs Brad and Andrea Thompson and family. For more information about the event, call 314.550.2888 or visit amaze.givesmart.com.

Cover design by Cydney Moore
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography

Pictured at top: A child participates in applied behavioral analysis therapy at the Thompson Center.
Photo courtesy of The Thompson Foundation for Autism