Treatment Services for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
| Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic 401 Quarry Road Stanford, CA 94305-5719 |
New patients: (650) 723-7704 Existing patients: (650) 723-5511 |
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Learn more about our exciting hospital expansion by visiting growing.lpch.org Note that during this expansion, routes to Packard Children’s Hospital and 401 Quarry Road in Palo Alto have changed. |
The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic provides autism spectrum disorders-related treatment to children and adolescents ages 2-18, and some young adults. Our clinic is part of the Stanford Autism Center at Packard Children’s Hospital and Stanford University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development.
Conditions We Treat
Our clinic treats children with developmental disabilities, including:
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New Patients
A new patient appointment request can be initiated by parents, or through a referral from a physician.When you call the new patient (intake) coordinator, you will be asked to provide a brief summary of the specific reason treatment is being sought. We will then speak with your insurance company, and call you back to schedule an initial intake appointment with a clinician.
During the intake appointment, the clinician will conduct a detailed interview to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. The clinician will work with you and your family to identify appropriate treatment goals and develop a treatment plan. This process is customized to meet your child's needs.
Treatment Goals and Services
Our clinic emphasizes treatment and advocacy approaches that:- Alleviate the underlying developmental disorder
- Target psychiatric conditions that exist in addition to the developmental disability and are often a result of it (comorbidities). These may include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, behavioral problems, or social cognitive difficulties that are specific to children with developmental delays.
Behavioral consultation. This includes working with families to:
- Target specific behavioral concerns at home
- Perform a functional assessment of problem behaviors
- Develop behavior plans for home
- Consult on school problems
- Develop behavior plans to build skills, such as social and communication skills
PRT is a parent-focused treatment. The therapist teaches you to guide your child’s skill development (such as communication and social skills) during play and other naturally motivating activities at home. In the clinic, the therapist teaches and demonstrates to you techniques individualized to your child’s needs. You receive feedback and support from the therapist as you practice those techniques in the clinic and at home. You will also learn how to apply those techniques to teach new skills.
The treatment is short-term. PRT is done either individually or in a group format.
Individual counseling/psychotherapy for school-age children and adolescents with Asperger’s and high-functioning autism (HFA). Some children and adolescents benefit from meeting with a therapist one-on-one. This can help to address issues such as low self-esteem, worries or fears, sadness or depression, or understanding a diagnosis. It can also help patients learn some social skills and social perspective-taking skills.
Medication consultation and management. Some children with ASD may benefit from medication. Medications are typically used to address specific problem areas, such as inattention, anxiety, aggression, repetitive movements and others.
Other Medical Clinics
A variety of other Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital medical clinics provide treatment services for difficulties associated with ASD.- Communication disorders, motor deficits and sensory issues are typically addressed through Speech-Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy.
- Our Child Neurology and Genetics/Medical Clinic address questions about specific features of ASD and possible neurological or genetic causes.