The Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders completed its four-phase Autism Roadmap and concluded its work in 2026. The completion of the roadmap represents an important milestone in Missouri’s ongoing efforts to strengthen autism services and supports statewide.
The summary below provides a high-level overview of the four phases of the Autism Roadmap and key themes identified throughout the process.
Overview
The Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders completed a four-phase Autism Roadmap between 2022–2026 focused on identifying opportunities to strengthen autism services and supports across Missouri.
The roadmap examined needs across the lifespan and highlighted opportunities for continued collaboration, service development, and system improvement.
Four Focus Areas
Transition to Adulthood | Employment, independent living, housing, transportation, and transition planning |
| Screening, Diagnosis & Early Intervention | Early identification, evaluations, intervention access, and family supports |
| Access to Care | Healthcare access, educational access, community supports and care coordination |
| Complex Behaviors & Crisis Care | Crisis response, stabilization services, behavioral health supports, and caregiver resources |
Key Themes Across the Roadmap
Strengthening Workforce Capacity
Supporting continued growth of autism-trained professionals across systems.
Improving Access Across Missouri
Expanding access to services and supports in rural and underserved communities.
Enhancing Family Navigation & Coordination
Strengthening collaboration across agencies, providers, schools, and community organizations.
Increasing Autism-Specific Training
Promoting ongoing training opportunities for providers, educators, healthcare professionals, and first responders.
Supporting Individuals Across the Lifespan
Continuing to strengthen supports from early childhood through adulthood and crisis situations.
Key Takeaways
The roadmap reflects input from families, providers, advocates, state agencies, and community partners across Missouri.
The reports identified opportunities to continue improving access, coordination, training, and supports statewide.
The roadmap encourages long-term collaboration and planning to strengthen systems serving autistic individuals and families.
The reports build upon existing strengths while helping guide future system improvement efforts.
Looking Forward
The Autism Roadmap provides a collaborative framework for continued progress in strengthening autism supports and services across Missouri through partnership, planning, workforce development, and coordinated system improvement.