Solving autism's puzzles
Mizzou center helps children and families deal with autism
Autism spectrum disorders affect one in every 166 children in the U.S. In his State of the State address on Jan. 24, Gov. Matt Blunt recognized this widespread problem and proposed more funding for research into the disorders. “Autism spectrum disorders affect more lives than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined,” Blunt said.
In the past, science offered little hope to the parents of children with autism. Fortunately, Mizzou’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders provides help for children with autism and their families. That includes the latest techniques of diagnosis and treatment to help them live full, happy and independent lives.
The interdisciplinary center has begun moving into renovated quarters in northeast Columbia, bringing specialists with autism expertise under one roof for the first time. Physicians, psychologists, teachers, therapists and dieticians will provide comprehensive care for an estimated 400 families each year.
Center Director Janet Farmer says the new facility will live up to the $8.5 million gift made by William Thompson, BS CiE ’68, and his wife, Nancy, in 2005. The Thompsons’ gift is one of many that have helped the For All We Call Mizzou campaign raise more than 75 percent of its billion-dollar goal. Private gifts and grants totaled $752.2 million as of Dec. 31, 2006.
Marianne Thompson, niece of the Thompson Center’s namesakes and a senior in Textile and Apparel Management from Overland Park, Kan., models an outfit she designed that was featured in the fashion show to benefit children with autism.
Researchers such as Judith Miles, the center’s associate director of biomedical research and chair of the Department of Child Health, examine the causes and types of autism. Gang Yao, a biological engineering professor, is pioneering promising new research that may lead to early diagnosis of autism. If successful, it will be the first objective medical test to identify changes in the brain that indicate autism.
Others are assisting with work at the Thompson Center in quite different ways. Entertainment Tonight host Jann Carl, BJ ’82, emceed “Model Citizen,” a fashion show held to benefit the center on Feb. 17 at the Columbia Holiday Inn Executive Center.
“Autism spectrum disorders are a serious issue and are affecting so many families — including mine,” Carl says. “But I have seen firsthand how research, intervention therapies, and a coordinated effort between healthcare professionals and family members can truly turn things around for a patient. The Thompson Center is doing just that.”
Parts of this story reprinted with permission from the For All We Call Mizzou newsletter. Photos by Nic Benner.