Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders
PO Box 687
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 526-3848
Fax: (573) 751-9207
Email: AutismCommission@dmh.mo.gov
Website: http://www.dmh.mo.gov/mrdd/mrddindex.htm
Details on Board or Commission
Authority: RSMo 633.200
Department: Mental Health
Mission:
To be determined.
Function:
The Commission shall make recommendations for developing a comprehensive statewide plan for an integrated system of training, treatment, and services for individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorder. By July 1, 2009, the commission shall issue preliminary findings and recommendations to the general assembly. In preparing the state plan, the commission shall specifically perform the following responsibilities and report on them accordingly, in conjunction with state agencies and the Office of Autism Services- (1) Study and report on the means for developing a comprehensive, coordinated system of care delivery across the state to address the increased and increasing presence of autism spectrum disorder and ensure that resources are created, well-utilized, and appropriately spread across the state;(a) Determine the need for the creation of additional centers for diagnostic excellence in designated sectors of the state, which could provide clinical services, including assessment, diagnoses, and treatment of patients; (b) Plan for effectively evaluating regional service areas throughout the state and their capacity, including outlining personnel and skills that exist within the service area, other capabilities that exist, and resource needs that may be unmet;(c) Assess the need for additional behavioral intervention capabilities and, as necessary, the means for expanding those capabilities in a regional service area;(d) Develop recommendations for expanding these services in conjunction with hospitals after considering the resources that exist in terms of specialty clinics and hospitals, and hospital inpatient care capabilities;(2) Conduct an assessment of the need for coordinated, enhanced and targeted special education capabilities within each region of the state;(3) Develop a recommendation for enlisting appropriate universities and colleges to ensure support and collaboration in developing certification or degree programs for students specializing in autism spectrum disorder intervention. This may include degree programs in education, special education, social work, and psychology; and (4) Other responsibilities may include but not be limited to (a) Provide recommendations regarding training programs and the content of training programs being developed; (b) Recommend individuals to participate in a committee of major stakeholders charged with developing screening, diagnostic, assessment, and treatment standards for Missouri; (c) Participate in recommending a panel of qualified professionals and experts to review existing models of evidence-based educational practices for adaptation specific to Missouri;(d) Examine the barriers to accurate information of the prevalence of individuals with autism spectrum disorder across the state and recommend a process for accurate reporting of demographic data; (e) Explore the need for the creation of interagency councils and evaluation of current councils to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated system of care for all individuals with autism spectrum disorder; (f) Study or explore other developmental delay disorders and genetic conditions known to be associated with autism, including fragile X syndrome; Sotos syndrome; Angelman syndrome; and tuberous sclerosis.
Subcommittees: To be determined.
Details on Meetings
Number of meetings: Four times annually. Additional meetings as requested by Commission.
Location of meetings: Jefferson City. Other locations as requested by Commission
Duration of meetings: 4-5 Hours
Preparation time for meetings: 5 Hours
Total time commitment: 3-5 Hours
Details on Members
Total members: 24
Appointed members: 13
Term length: 4 years after original appointment.
Compensation: Expenses
Member Requirements: Yes, Four members of the general assembly, with two members from the senate and two members from the house of representatives. The director of the department of mental health, or his or her designee; the commissioner of the department of elementary and secondary education, or his or her designee; the director of the department of health and senior services, or his or her designee; the director of the department of public safety, or his or her designee; the commissioner of the department of higher education, or his or her designee; the director of the department of social services, or his or her designee; the director of the department of insurance, financial institutions and professional registration, or his or her designee; two representatives from different institutions of higher learning located in Missouri; an individual employed as a director of special education at a school district located in Missouri; a speech and language pathologist; a diagnostician; a mental health provider; a primary care physician; two parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including one parent of an individual under the age of eighteen and one parent of an individual over the age of eighteen; two individuals with autism spectrum disorder; a representative from an independent private provider or non-profit provider or organization.
Political Requirements: No
Geographic Requirements: Yes, The members of the commission shall consist of a broad representation of Missouri citizens, both urban and rural.
Senate Consent Required: Yes