Supporting the Spectrum

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, we explore what it really means to make change more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. Joined by transition specialists Jen DeLaporte and Jaclyn Benigno, we unpack why transitions, both everyday and life-changing, can be challenging, how executive functioning, anxiety, and sensory differences play a role, and what meaningful support can look like across home, school, and adulthood. From practical strategies to myth-busting common misconceptions, this conversation focuses on shifting the question from “How do we make someone tolerate change?” to “How do we make change itself more supportive and predictable?”

In this special episode celebrating 20 years at the Thompson Center, we’re joined by Dr. Judith Miles, Pediatrician and Medical Geneticist, who has been part of the Center since it first opened. Dr. Miles reflects on her role, shares memories from the early days, and offers insight into what makes the Thompson Center such a meaningful place for families impacted by autism and neurodevelopmental conditions. Join us as we honor two decades of growth, impact, and dedication to the families we serve.

In this special episode celebrating 20 years at the Thompson Center, we’re joined by Tammy Hickman, a dedicated nurse who has been caring for patients at the Center for more than 15 years. Tammy shares about her role, reflects on what makes the Thompson Center such a special place for families impacted by autism and neurodevelopmental conditions, and looks ahead with excitement on the move to the new building. Join us as we continue honoring two decades of impact, care, and community.

Welcome back to Supporting the Spectrum! In this special episode celebrating 20 years at the Thompson Center, we’re joined by Hope McPheeters, founder of Ella’s Hope for Autism. After her daughter Ella was diagnosed with autism at age two, Hope turned her family’s journey into a mission to support others. She shares her first experience with the Thompson Center, how it has impacted her family and community, and the inspiration behind Ella’s Hope. Join us as we reflect on two decades of impact and look ahead to the future of the autism community.

Back-to-school means fresh starts — and new challenges. In this episode, two Board Certified Behavior Analyst who work in public schools share practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to understand and support challenging behavior, so every student can thrive.

In this special episode of Supporting the Spectrum, we’re celebrating a major milestone — the 20th Annual Thompson Center Autism Conference. Host, Tara DeVore is joined by Cortney Fish, Director of the Thompson Center’s training core, to discuss the evolution of the conference, whats in store for this year’s attendees, and why the event remains a cornerstone for the autism community. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at two decades of impact, learning, and connection. Register for the 20th Annual Thompson Center Conference Here —> https://tcautismconf.com

Host - Tara DevoreGuests - Benjamin Black, MD & Amruta Padhye, MDEditor - Louis Nevins

Hosts - Bryan, Jack, & Peter

Hosts- Bryan, Jack, & Peter

Hosts - Bryan, Jack, & Peter

Hosts - Bryan, Jack & Peter

Hosts- Bryan, Jack & Peter 

In this insightful episode of "Supporting the Spectrum,” our hosts sit down for an engaging conversation with Matthew Leach, an autism self-advocate, and his sister, Hayley Leach, who holds the title of Miss Missouri 2023. This episode explores the unique dynamics of their sibling relationship, their individual journeys, and their shared mission of raising awareness and promoting acceptance of individuals with autism.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum we bring you a unique conversation between two young adults with autism and their parents. Listen in as Jordan and Taylor interview their mothers, Latisha and Anna, to shine a light on their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Listeners will also learn about a program Jordan and Taylor are participating in called ACE.

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer  written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer  written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer  written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer  written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer  written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes

Join a Study - Thompson Center (missouri.edu)Theme music Beautiful Dreamer  written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes

Support for Siblings of People with Disability in Australia - Siblings Australia Theme music Beautiful Dreamer  written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer  written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.Christmas on the Moon  written by Louis Nevins and performed by Malone.

From a very young age, we all desire independence. The same is true for individuals with autism. While it may take time to learn certain skills, individuals with autism can live positive and fulfilled lives. In this episode, we will learn ways to help support autistic individuals gain independence and live their best life.

The beginning of an individual’s autism journey starts with an autism evaluation. The evaluation process requires specific assessments and trained individuals to give the assessment. Because of this intricate process, it can take some time to get an appointment. In this episode, we explore the barriers of the waitlist to receive an evaluation, including what causes the waitlist, what do to while you wait, and what is being done to shorten the wait.

ADOS-2 Clinical Training The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders offers Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) clinical and research trainings. All trainings will be conducted by an independent trainer. See below for more information on upcoming trainings. ADOS-2 - Thompson Center (missouri.edu)

2022 MU Thompson Center Autism Conference - https://tcautismconf.com/  

Autism Spectrum Disorder, also referred to as ASD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect an individual's communication skills, emotional development, learning, memory, and self-control. The characteristics of ASD can be mild to severe, which is why many refer to autism as a spectrum. Through the work of doctors, researchers, and self-advocates our understanding of autism is rapidly evolving. Today, Dr. Benjamin Black, MD from the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center will be joining us to myth bust some common mistruths that are often said about ASD.

https://www.bcfr.org/our-services/eligibility/DMH Eligibility Information:https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/individual-family-guardian-infoOffice of Autism/Autism Project info:https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/autism/projectsMap of Missouri Association of County Developmental Disability Services (MACDDS). Some County Boards contract with DMH to provide county based Targeted Case Management services (like BCFR).  You can click on the yellow counties and it will take you to that County Board’s website.  https://macdds.org/services/member-county-boards/

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Shawna Shelton, registered nurse and nurse clinician at the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, discusses common causes and treatment approaches for constipation.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Cortney Fish, a licensed behavior analyst at the Thompson Center, discusses the debate of using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Common concerns related to the use of ABA are explained and misperceptions clarified.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Jaclyn Benigno, STRIVE Program Coordinator and Cortney Fish, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Training Core Manager at the Thompson Center, share about the program Self-Determined Transition Readiness Through Individual Vocational Experiences (STRIVE). Benigno and Fish provide information about the program, discuss its success, and share additional transition resources.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Luke Daily, a licensed social worker and Assistant District Supervisor at Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), discusses how VR provides individuals with disabilities support towards employment goals. He provides an overview of the services available through VR, information on how and when to access those services, and additional resources to consider while preparing for transition.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Dr. Chad Rose, Associate Professor at the University of Missouri and Director of the Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab, discusses bullying, bullying prevention, and response. Dr. Rose shares his expert knowledge, including advice, information, and resources to both prevent bullying and support students who have experienced bullying.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Shawna Shelton, registered nurse and nurse clinician at the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, discusses common sleep challenges of children with autism. She provides practical advice to families on both strategies to try and who to turn to for additional support.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Dr. Benjamin Black, Director of Medical Services and Assistant Professor of Clinical Child Health, discusses what we know about the COVID-19 vaccination, and implications for children with autism. He further dives into explaining where misinformation about vaccines and autism originated from. Additionally, Brittany Schmitz, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, provides helpful tips on how to prepare a child for a vaccination.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Kerri Nowell, PhD, Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment discusses anxiety in children with autism. Dr. Nowell shares the range of symptom presentation and discusses the evaluation process and treatments.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Michelle Dampf, MA, CCC-SLP and Megan Henzel, MOT, OTR/L, ATP discuss the use of Augmentative, Alternative, Communication (AAC) with children with autism. They share about AAC readiness, myths of using AAC, and what to expect during the evaluation process.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Jennifer Weyman, PhD, BCBA, LBA, shares about the Severe Behavior Clinic at the Thompson Center.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Brooke Barnes, MA, Special Educator and Training Specialist and Jena Randolph, PhD, Assistant Professor in Special Education discuss the use of the Autism Program Environment Rating Scale (APERS), an assessment tool developed by the National Professional Development Center to assess the quality indicators of education programs for youth with autism. They discuss the trends in classroom settings and how these patterns have informed the trainings offered by the Thompson Center.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Dr. Benjamin Black, Director of Medical Services and Assistant Professor of Clinical Child Health, discusses pediatric medical support for children with autism. He provides information on the Thompson Center’s medical clinic, and how it differs from services provided by primary care physicians. Discussion and resources are provided on common medical concerns related to medication, sleep, behavior, and more.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Lea Ann Lowery, and Occupational Therapist, and Clinical Professor at the University of Missouri, gives advice on how to support difficulties with their homework and written assignments. Taking a strengths-based approach, Dr. Lowery discusses strategies for success.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Ashleigh Boyd, MHS, CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist at the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center for Autism and Development discusses language development in young children, both the hallmarks of typical development, and flags that indicate delays. She gives specific attention to distinguishing between delays in speech-language and concerns that are indicative of risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Nicole Takahashi, manager of the research core at the Thompson Center, and Samantha Hunter, research specialist, discuss the current research projects at the center and highlight SPARK, the largest genetic study of autism ever.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Emma Keicher, behavior analyst, and Brooke Barnes, Special Educator and Training Specialist at the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center problem solve through common toilet training challenges.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Brittney Stevenson, occupational therapist at the University of Missouri, discusses water safety and swim instruction for children on the spectrum.

In this 3-part series, funded by the Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation, five young adults with autism share their perspectives from diagnosis to transition to adulthood. In part 3, the autism self-advocates share their visions of a good life and discuss the importance of self-advocacy.

In this 3-part series, funded by the Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation, five young adults with autism share their perspectives from diagnosis to transition to adulthood. In part 2, the young adults with autism share reflections on the process of transitioning to adulthood.

In this 3-part series, funded by the Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation, five young adults with autism share their perspectives from diagnosis to transition to adulthood. In part 1 of the series, the young adults share reflections on their path to diagnosis and what their diagnosis means to them.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Dr. Nancy Cheak-Zamora, faculty and researcher in Health Sciences, shares her expertise, including resources and ideas for both parents and health care providers on how to best support the transition of care from pediatric to adult services. Common health care challenges and parent concerns are discussed, and recommendations on how to best support are provided.

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Emma Keicher, a licensed behavior analyst and the Clinical Operations Manager for Applied Behavior Intervention Services at the Thompson Center, talks with us about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) services. Acronyms are broken down, services are explained, and additional resources are shared.