The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment is set to move into its new building at 701 Veterans United Drive on March 10. Executive Director Connie Brooks said the move will allow for expanded space, personnel and services.

She said she looks forward to kids seeing the design of the building.

“When I think about the center, I’m really excited for kids like my nephew, Danny, who doesn’t really talk very much and flaps full body joy when he sees things that sparkle or have funny textures,” Brooks said. “And I’m really excited to see kids walk into the doors of the new building and look around and flap and just show their excitement in the ways that they show it.”

Other than the design, she said she is most excited for the adaptive playground. Larissa Westbrook, a family navigator at the Thompson Center, said her 12-year-old son, who has autism, agreed.

“He’s very excited about the playground,” she said. “I think that’s pretty much the only thing that he can picture right now.”

In addition to the playground, the new building will feature an indoor therapy gym, training café, life skills space and large group therapy rooms. 

The new space also brings with it new programs. The Intensive Outpatient Program will serve patients from 3 to 19 years old with severe behaviors. 

“We’ll be working with them to reduce their behavior concerns and also providing some other therapies alongside that, (such as) speech language therapy, occupational therapy, medication management and social work support,” Brooks said. 

Spokesperson Annie Williams said the move will double the number of specialists and annual visits the center can provide. Brooks said the space was purposefully set up for collaboration, bringing all services under one roof.

“As a clinician, I learn the most and I provide the best care for my patients when I learn from other experts in the field who have different perspectives,” she said.

Currently, the Thompson Center comprises two buildings. The new building is about 50% larger than the two buildings combined.

Brooks said the move would not be possible without support from the University of Missouri, University of Missouri Health Care, the state legislature and especially the Thompson Foundation. 

“I just think it’s a testament to the care that people have for our patients, that all of these huge entities have come together to help create this amazing space,” she said. 

Transition to the new building
Transitions can be hard for children with autism, Westbrook said. She talked her son through the location change and reminded him that he will still have the same doctors and providers.

She also said there are supports for clients who may be overwhelmed being in the unfamiliar space. 

“The Thompson Center was really thoughtful whenever they planned out the new building,” Westbrook said. “There are really nice low-sensory spaces if we need to step aside and take a break in a quiet space with lower lighting.”

Staff at the current Thompson Center have been putting out coloring pages of the new space, Williams said. They also have maps and have been talking to patients about the move. 

The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment prepares to move into new building on March 10