The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee is organizing a series of public hearings across the state to seek input from those with autism, as well as those who live with or work with individuals with autism.

The legislatively appointed committee is hoping to gather information to guide its recommendations to lawmakers, service-providers and policymakers about the needs of people with autism.

The MAAC estimates that about 10,174 children in Mississippi have autism, a 462 percent increase from 2002.

The MAAC said critical therapies can help the children overcome the most debilitating effects of autism, but that the state lacks the necessary services to provide those therapies.

After the hearings, the MAAC will issue another report about autism in Mississippi. The first hearing will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Eudora Welty Library, 300 N. State St., Jackson.

The committee will announce more dates and locations for hearings in the near future.