Missouri's state education and resource agency for autism was established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Special Education (DESE) to enhance the development of professional skills in Missouri's educators serving students with disabilities. Acknowledging a common vision, Missouri State University (Missouri State) and DESE entered into a partnership of commitment to ongoing professional development of all Missouri's school personnel. Our mission is to increase local capacity to serve students in Missouri's public schools who experience Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disabilities.

Project ACCESS provides support services, resources, training and technical assistance to Missouri school districts serving students with autism. Staffed with resource specialists in autism, Project ACCESS offers professional development opportunities and two tiers of autism consultation to Missouri's schools. These services are available on a statewide basis.