The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri recently expanded with a new state-of-the-art facility, doubling its capacity to serve families. This $8.5 million center (launched in 2005) now supports over 4,000 Missouri families with enhanced clinical spaces, research labs, and collaborative areas designed for autism care. The expansion aims to address rising demand—1 in 31 children has autism—by increasing patient rooms and services statewide.

Key benefits:
- **More access**: Serves patients from nearly every Missouri county
- **Research focus**: Advances discoveries to improve neurodevelopmental care
- **Community impact**: Offers training and resources like autism-friendly business programs

For details, visit [Thompson Center’s website](https://thompsoncenter.missouri.edu/). A hopeful step forward for Missouri’s autism community!

*(Sources: Missouri Independent, KSMU, Thompson Foundation)*