Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at University of Missouri to hold grand opening; Mayor of Columbia to proclaim 'Autism Friendly City'

April 24, 2026
Contact: Annie Williams, [email protected]; (573) 884-1618

WHAT:

The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, a nationally recognized destination center for autism and neurodevelopmental care at the University of Missouri, will celebrate the grand opening of its new $54.8 million, 74,000-square-foot facility, enabling significant expansion of its comprehensive services. The new building increases the number of patient rooms and expands top-tier staffing, empowering the Thompson Center to address rapidly increasing demand by serving twice as many patients each year. The new Thompson Center project reflects a nationwide collaborative effort, supported by more than $9 million in private contributions from individuals, organizations, and foundations to the Thompson Foundation; a $31.5 million appropriation from the State of Missouri; and continual, integral support from the University of Missouri and University of Missouri Health Care.

WHEN:

Friday, May 8
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• 10:15 a.m.: Ribbon cutting
• 10:30 a.m.: Formal program with speaker panel
• 11:20 a.m.: Media availability

WHERE:

Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, 701 Veterans United Dr., Columbia, MO 65201 (at the MU Health Care South Providence Medical Park). Parking available in the lots in front of the Thompson Center.

WHO:

The event will feature presentations from:

• Bill and Nancy Thompson, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment founders
• Mike Parson, former Missouri governor
• Scott Fitzpatrick, Missouri state auditor
• Mun Choi, University of Missouri president
• Connie Brooks, Thompson Center executive director
• Ron Ashworth, Thompson Foundation board president

RSVP is required to attend the media conference immediately following the grand opening formal program. To RSVP, please email [email protected].

Additionally, the Thompson Center will celebrate the proclamation of Columbia as an Autism Friendly City.

WHAT:

A celebration of the commitment of more than 45 active Columbia businesses across various industries to support neurodiverse clients and employees by completing Autism Friendly Business training through the Thompson Center.

WHEN:

Thursday, May 7, 2026
4:30 p.m.

WHERE:

City Hall
701 E. Broadway St., Columbia, MO 65201

Limited public parking and nearby parking garages are available.

WHO:

The event will feature presentations from:

• Barbara Buffaloe, mayor of the City of Columbia
• Richard Barohn, executive vice chancellor of health affairs and dean of Mizzou's School of Medicine

About the Thompson Center

The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment is a nationally recognized destination center for comprehensive autism and neurodevelopmental care at the University of Missouri. With its unique multidisciplinary structure, the Thompson Center provides world-class clinical care and therapeutic services for over 4,500 patients each year, totaling 18,000 visits annually; conducts groundbreaking translational research; and educates professionals and communities through a diverse range of training programs. Supported by the Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment, the University of Missouri, the State of Missouri, and other generous funding partners, the Thompson Center exemplifies a shared commitment to expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based neurodevelopmental care, right in the heart of Missouri.