Missouri created a Blue Ribbon panel to research and recommend actions for the state. The panel on autism believes it has done well, but it's hard to know for sure since autism policy might be as complex as the disorder itself.

"Each of us comes from a different part of the autism world, so of course I thought mine was the most important - the highest priority," said Dr. Stephen Kanne, member of the panel.

Kanne said the biggest challenge that lies ahead is turning suggestion into policy.

"We've identified what might be needed. But we don't want these recommendations to lie in a vault somewhere, it really needs to be put into motion," he explained.

Ginger Luetkemeyer has two autistic sons. She says the state must find better ways to work with schools in order to better serve afflicted student.

"I would love to see the school districts come up with comprehensive plans for training their staff, and not just a one-day workshop," she said.

The panel made 36 recommendations; it labels 11 of them as "short-term." Creation of a database for all schools appears as a "long-term" recommendation. The panel focused mostly on treatments and services for those with autism, avoiding research on possible causes such as toxins in various vaccines. For now, that's fine with Luetkemeyer. She just wants to get the word out.

"Right now, we're just glad the level of awareness for autism and the needs for the families has been raised," Luetkemeyer said.

The main short-term goal suggests creating a commission on autism. Senator Scott Rupp sponsors a bill doing just that. The panel hopes it's the start of a trend.