CLICK HERE for the Governor's official  COMMISSION on AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS website!

WHAT IS THE MISSOURI COMMISSION ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS?

In 2008, when SB 768 was signed into law, it formed Missouri's new Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

It was one of the recommendations of the Senate Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism, so that there would be an ongoing process for addressing autism issues and government systems reform. 

The group met for the first time on October 22, 2008 in Jefferson City. 

 During this first meeting, the group reviewed their charge (as outlined in statute) and planned for a sub-committee to review and propose a workplan for the Commission.  There was also discussion about an initiative to establish autism diagnostic standards for the state of Missouri.  

The second meeting was held on December 12, 2008.  DD Director Bernie Simons was elected as acting chair, until after senate confirmation process.

During the May 2008 meeting, the group finalized the committees that will conduct the work of the commission and heard reports from various state agencies. Four committees were formed: 
• Education
• Healthcare
• Workforce Development
• Individual and Family Supports 

The Autism Commission met on August 19, 2009.

Link to Oct 22 2008 Agenda

Background: The ASD Commission is tasked with developing a statewide plan to help Missourians facing the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders.  The commission is to make preliminary recommendations by July 1, 2009, as specified in statute.

Meetings of the ASD Commission are open to the public to attend as observers.

Establishing a state autism commission was Recommendation #1 of the Blue Ribbon Panel's report.  Senate Bill 768, which established the ASD Commission, was sponsored by Senator Scott Rupp, who served as chairman of the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism. 

24 MEMBER COMMISSION includes:

Legislative Appointees:

Senator Scott T. Rupp, R-Wentzville

Representative Dwight Scharnhorst (R-Manchester)
Representative Sue Schoemehl (R-St. Louis)

Governor's Appointees:

Dr. John F. Mantovani
Diagnostician
St. Louis
Term begins: Apr 10, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2010

Ms. Phyllis Wolfram
Director - Special Education Program
Springfield
Term begins: Apr 6, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2010

Ms. Tiffany L. Daniels
Individual w/ ASD 1
Nixa
Term begins: Mar 26, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2010

Mr. Jean-Paul Bovee
Individual w/ASD 2
Kansas City
Term begins: Jun 1, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2010

Ms. Rebecca Blackwell
Private Provider
Webster Groves
Term begins: Mar 18, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2010

Dr. Michele G. Kilo
Primary Care MD
Kansas City
Term begins: Jun 1, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2010

 Dr. David P. Crowe
Parent - Adult Child
Cape Girardeau
Term begins: Mar 4, 2009
Term expires: Feb 26, 2011

Dr. Janet E. Farmer
Institution of Higher Learning 1
Columbia
Term begins: Apr 10, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2012

Mrs. Vicki L. McCarrell
County Developmental Disabilities Board
Pilot Grove
Term begins: Mar 2, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2012

Mrs. Paula F. Baker
Mental Health Provider
Joplin
Term begins: Jun 1, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2012

Ms. Lee Bascom
Parent - Child Under 18
St. Louis
Term begins: Mar 31, 2009
Term expires: Sep 3, 2012

Mrs. Connie L. Hebert
Institution of Higher Learning 2
Cape Girardeau
Term begins: Mar 2, 2009
Term expires: Feb 26, 2013

MEMBERS appointed by Department per Statute:

Ms. Heidi Atkins-Lieberman
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Ms. Margaret Donnelly
Department of Health and Senior Services
Jefferson City

Dr. Robert B. Stein
Department of Higher Education
Jefferson City

Mr. John Huff

(designee - Molly White)

Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration
Jefferson City

Mr. Keith Schafer
Department of Mental Health

Mr. John Britt
Department of Public Safety
Jefferson City

For followup information regarding the Missouri Commission on ASD, watch for Missouri Autism Coalition email updates or visit the website!

2009 MEETINGS

DATES:  

November 18  (10 am - 2 pm)

Place:    Missouri Dept. of Mental Health

1706 E. Elm Street, Jefferson City

Click for info on:         HOW TO TESTIFY        before the Missouri Autism Commission

Additional Information:

Link to Governor's Autism Commission page

Link to Office of Autism Services

Link to the Missouri ASD Commission Bill (SB 768)

Link to Blue Ribbon Panel Report

Legislative Appointees:

 Senator Scott Rupp

Rep. Dwight Scharnhorst

Rep. Sue Schoemehl