Panel to explore autism in Mo.

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- At a time when one out of every 150 people in the nation has an autism disorder, Missouri is examining its response to autism and how to improve services.

A 16-member panel of lawmakers, health officials and parents were to hear testimony Friday on autism in Missouri at the Millennium Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

It is the fourth of five public events the panel is holding around the state.

Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, created the blue-ribbon panel and asked Sen. Scott Rupp, R-Wentzville, to be its chairman. Legislators could use the findings to craft new laws related to autism.

Becky Blackwell, executive director of the Judevine Center for Autism in suburban St. Louis, said she is thrilled the state is examining autism by not just trying to put a Band-Aid on the problem, but by first hearing from people around the state about what works and what they need.

Autism, a neurological disorder, can affect a person's ability to communicate or form relationships. Autism disorders are marked by a wide range of behaviors. Some autistic people insist on sameness or have difficulty communicating or socializing.

Both Blackwell and Rupp said one out of every 150 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with a condition in the autism spectrum, which could include 30,000 people in Missouri.