Autism Services

Autism is a complex disorder of communication, thinking, relating to others, and participating fully in the community. The documented prevalence of autism has been rising. We recognize that it will take many different disciplines working together to understand the condition and ultimately provide effective treatments to children and their families. 

Mission of Stanford Autism Center:

To bring together professionals across departments and disciplines at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford (LPCHS), Stanford Hospital, and Stanford University, who are committed to improving the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disorders through research, professional training, community education, quality or process improvement, and advocacy.

Clinical services are provided through several divisions at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. All divisions conform to a similar standard of care. If there is uncertainty about which service might be right for a child, please consult with the child’s primary care clinician.

The Lucile Packard Children's Health Stanford Referral Center can also help determine which division is best suited for a child’s needs.

• Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics specializes in the diagnosis of autism in young children.
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry specializes in the treatment of children with autism.
• Medical Genetics evaluates possible underlying genetic causes for autism.
• Pediatric Neurology evaluates unusual movements and other neurological abnormalities that may accompany autism.
• Pediatric Rehabilitation Services provides selective therapy treatments for communication, feeding and related conditions that are frequently part of the presentation of autism. These treatments may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology.