The Tailor Institute
Website: http://www.tailorinstitute.org/
The Tailor Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome (a condition sometimes referred to as the “highest functioning” form of autism) who exhibit areas of giftedness. Founded in 2003 by the father of an individual with high functioning autism, The Tailor Institute was designed to provide gifted individuals on the autism spectrum the tools they need to live and work as independently as possible.
The Institute identifies the specific skills and talents of these individuals and develops strategies for employment and independent living hence matching them with employers who can benefit from these unique employee’s remarkable abilities. The Institute’s staff provides support for its participants and their employers in an effort to facilitate successful long-term employment.
The Tailor Institute staff, working in concert with student interns/support staff and educators from Southeast Missouri State University, conducts training sessions using a program designed specifically for the Institute by autism experts Alan Lincoln, Ph.D., and David Krug, Ph.D., modeled in part on a successful program devised by Trevor Clark, Ph.D., Director of Education & Research of the Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect).
The Thompson Center
Website: http://thompsoncenter.missouri.edu/
The Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) team in Southeast Missouri provides community-based, long-term services for children (ages 18 months-8 years) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have behavior, social, and/or communication needs that limit access to their natural environments. Thompson Center staff provide services that include broad skills-based assessments, behavioral assessments, implementer training, and ongoing consultations and follow-up to families throughout the Southeast Missouri area. Currently funding is available through the Sikeston and Poplar Bluff Regional Centers provided by the Southeast Missouri Advisory Committee.
TouchPoint Autism Services, Southeast Project
(Formerly Judevine)
Website: http://www.touchpointautism.org
TouchPoint Autism Services Southeast Missouri Office provides services to families in 19 Counties in Southeast Missouri who are unable to access facility-based services. These counties are Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Ste. Genevieve, and Wayne. Our goal is to make a real difference in families’ lives, wherever they may live. We listen to our families’ concerns and help them identify and address their child’s specific needs. Since we believe that children do best with their families, we work to supply information, expert training and issue-specific support that will assist individuals with autism and keep families together. TouchPoint recognizes that each parent is the expert on his or her child. We believe that it is vital for the parent to have an active role in the services TouchPoint offers to improve the quality of life for any child or adult with autism. Using TouchPoint techniques, a parent can help his or her child reach maximum potential.