Thompson Center Opens New 74,000 Square-Foot Autism Care Facility
A new 74,000 square-foot facility at the Thompson Center for Autism will launch Missouri’s first intensive outpatient program for children with extensive autism needs.
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI — The University of Missouri Health Care’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment unveiled a new 74,000 square-foot building Friday that officials say will advance autism care across the state.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, center leaders and state officials showcased the facility and launched the center’s intensive outpatient program. Executive Director Connie Brooks described the new offering as the first of its kind in Missouri for serving children with extensive needs through a multidisciplinary approach.
“Few centers nationally bring together this level of expertise in one truly integrated model of care,” Brooks told an audience of donors, University of Missouri-Columbia staff and healthcare professionals.
Statewide Reach and Growth
The Thompson Center was established following an $8.5 million donation from Bill and Nancy Thompson in 2005. The center currently serves over 4,000 families across Missouri.
From 2013 to 2025, the center treated patients from all but three of Missouri’s 114 counties, demonstrating its statewide impact. Brooks credited the expansion to philanthropic efforts, the partnership with the University of Missouri-Columbia and support from state officials.
State Investment in Autism Services
Former Governor Mike Parson, who attended Friday’s ceremony, secured a $31.5 million state appropriation for the center in 2022. Parson emphasized the importance of state investment in autism care services during his remarks.
University of Missouri President Mun Choi also spoke at the grand opening, highlighting the collaboration between the university and the healthcare system in advancing autism research and treatment.
The new building represents a significant expansion of the center’s capacity to serve Missouri families affected by autism and neurodevelopmental conditions. The facility is designed to accommodate the center’s growing patient population and expanded service offerings.
Center founders Bill and Nancy Thompson joined Brooks in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking nearly two decades since their initial donation launched the autism care initiative at the University of Missouri.
The intensive outpatient program launching with the new building aims to provide comprehensive care for children with complex autism-related needs, bringing together multiple specialists under one roof for coordinated treatment.
