JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – Thousands of Missouri families are dealing with the day-to-day challenges of Autism, and now Missouri’s biggest hospital system is expanding its resources for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

MU Health’s new Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment is slated to open in early 2026. Friday, the final beam was placed on top of the building, marking progress toward the construction of the new building in Columbia, Missouri.

In the past decade, the Thompson Center has served 109 Missouri counties and nine other states, and with this new center, they’re hoping to serve even more families. This expansion doubles the size of the center.

The Centers for Disease Control says up to one in 36 Missouri children show signs of autism. Children like Angela Keller’s 3-year-old daughter Renesemee. Keller knew even before her daughter was born that she would have multiple disabilities, but Renesemee receives all the care she requires at the Thompson Center.

“When you’re a new special needs parent, a lot of times you don’t know where to go,” Keller said. “Thompson Center is a good jumping point.”

Since 2000, the number of autism diagnoses has increased 60%. Thompson Center Executive Director Connie Brooks credits that increase to the strides in identifying autism and the increased acceptance of neurodiversity.

“Parents and providers are tuned in at an earlier age, and so they’re bringing them in to get that checked out,” Brooks said.

Through the center, families can receive comprehensive care, seeing all the doctors their child or loved one needs in one place.

“Autism affects people in really individualized ways, because it is such a spectrum,” Brooks said.

But most importantly, Keller and Brooks hope the center cuts down on wait times and allows more families to find the care they need.

“I was able to get a jumpstart on finding those resources and knowing what I needed to ask for before I left the hospital,” Keller said. “Some parents haven’t been so lucky.”

Anyone seeking care for Autism or other developmental challenges can find resources on the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s website.

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As a conservative woman born and raised in Missouri, I have always been proud to call myself a Republican. Our party has traditionally stood for values I hold dear: limited government, personal responsibility, strong national defense and respect for individual liberties. However, this election, I am making a choice that might surprise many of my fellow Republicans: I am voting for Kamala Harris.

Recently, a group called Republicans for Harris announced their support for the Harris’ presidential campaign, citing the urgent need to protect our democracy from the threat posed by Donald Trump. Their stance resonates deeply with me. As someone who loves Missouri and has cherished our state’s values of decency and integrity, I feel compelled to stand up for what is right, even if it means crossing party lines.

Initially, many of us believed Trump’s unconventional style would shake up the establishment in a beneficial way. But over the years, it has become clear that his disregard for democracy and decency is a threat to the very fabric of our country.

Trump’s behavior during his presidency, and particularly his actions surrounding the events of Jan. 6, have shown a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power — principles that are the cornerstone of our republic. The violent insurrection at the Capitol was not just an attack on a building; it was an attack on our democratic institutions and processes. As a Republican who values our Constitution, I cannot support a leader who incites violence and undermines our electoral system.

Moreover, Trump’s divisive rhetoric has torn at the seams of our national unity. His frequent attacks on anyone who disagrees with him, including fellow Republicans, and his relentless spread of misinformation have sown discord and mistrust. Instead of bringing Americans together, he has driven us further apart. This is not the leadership our country needs.

Vice President Harris, in contrast, represents a commitment to democracy, decency and unity. Her career as a public servant demonstrates a dedication to justice and equality. While I may not agree with all her policies, I believe she respects our democratic institutions and would work to heal the divisions that have deepened under and after Trump’s presidency.

Harris has shown a capacity for bipartisanship and a willingness to listen to different perspectives — qualities essential for leading a diverse and divided nation. Her background as a prosecutor and U.S. senator reflects her commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all Americans.

As conservatives, we must ask ourselves what it truly means to uphold our values. Is it about unwavering loyalty to a single individual, or is it about protecting the principles that make our country strong? I believe it is the latter. Voting for Harris is not a betrayal of my conservative principles; it is an affirmation of my commitment to democracy, decency and the future of our nation.

This election is about more than party loyalty. It is about choosing a leader who would respect our democratic processes, seek common ground and work towards a better future for all Americans. Harris may not be a perfect candidate, but she is the leader our country needs right now to restore faith in our democracy and bring us back together.

I urge my fellow Republicans to look beyond party lines and consider what is at stake in this election. Our democracy and our national unity depend on it. Let us vote for a future where respect, decency and the rule of law prevail. For these reasons, I am casting my vote for Kamala Harris, and I encourage my fellow Missourians and Republicans to join me in supporting her candidacy.

Kelly Peters is a lifelong Republican, former Christian school teacher, mother of three children and grandmother of six grandchildren. She lives in Bourbon, Missouri.