The Blue Ribbon Panel consisted of sixteen members and was responsible for assisting policymakers in providing a better system for individuals and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

 The Blue Ribbon Panel was charged with identifying issues of children, youth, and adults with autism and with making appropriate recommendations to address those identified needs. After holding five public hearings and reviewing submitted testimony, the Panel issued their final report which included 38 recommendations in December, 2007. 

The Panel's report recommendations were divided into four main areas:  Comprehensive & Coordinated System of Care, Adult Services, Healthcare/Developmental Support, Education, and Training.

(Links below to report)

SB 768, which established the Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disroders and the Office of Autism at the Department of Mental Health, was directly inspired by Recommendation #1 of the Panel.

Representation on the Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism:
Senator Scott Rupp, (R-Wentzville) (Chairman)
Senator Jolie Justus, (D-Kansas City)
St. Louis
Ron Ashworth, President/CEO of Sisters of Mercy Health System (Vice-Chairman)
Julie Roscoe, Deputy Director Family and Community Relations of Judevine Center
Randy Sanders, Parent, Autism Director of Francis Howell School District, Parent
Bill Bolster, Parent, Attorney  Kansas City
Tom Davis, Grandparent, CEO of Meyer Companies Inc., Former MO State Board of Education Member

Robin Russell, Parent, Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City

Mid-Missouri
Dr. Steve Kanne, Associate Director of the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Dr. Laurie Fowler, Physician
Southeast
Mamie Benson, Parent, SE Project Parent Advisory Committee

Springfield
Shawn Williams, Parent, Law Enforcement, SW Project Parent Advisory Committee,

Joplin
Nikki Straw, Parent, Chairperson of Statewide Autism Parent Advisory Council,

Northeast
Dr. Cindy Dowis, Director of Special Education for Kirksville School District
Missouri-At-Large
Heidi Atkins-Liberman, Assistant Commissioner—Special Education
Julia Kaufmann, MRDD District Administrator, former Director for Autism Services

Link to Family Guide to the Blue Ribbon Panel Report (4 pgs.)

Link to Blue Ribbon Panel Report, (in entirety:  56 pgs.)

Link to the Missouri ASD Commission Bill (SB 768)