We Connect the Dots...

So you can confidently take the first steps in supporting your child.

We Connect the Dots...

So you can confidently take the first steps in supporting your child.

Early Support Program for Autism

ESPA is a joint program between Children’s Health Council and Stanford Children’s Health.

Empowering Families Impacted by Autism

The Early Support Program for Autism (ESPA), a collaboration between CHC and Stanford Children’s Health, helps families understand what comes next. We provide expert guidance, practical resources, and connections to services—all at no cost—so you can confidently take the first steps in supporting your child.

Empowering Families: ESPA - A Lifeline for Autism Support

Our brief parent program offers simple strategies to encourage play and interaction, bridging the gap between diagnosis and treatment. Join us today and embrace the hope, guidance, and support ESPA provides.

Watch our video to learn how ESPA’s free services can support your family.

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How We Help

Clinical Care Coordination

  • Sharing resources and information about providers
  • Helping families navigate the educational and healthcare systems

Parent Education

  • Individualized education
  • Help families get started with strategies to interact & play with their child

Adult Clinical Care Coordination

  • Navigating the healthcare and public benefit systems
  • Information about resources at Stanford 
  • Local community providers and supports

A Lifeline for Autism Support


Discover this impactful initiative that bridges the gap between
compassionate care and families impacted by autism.

ESPA is an extraordinary collaboration between Stanford Children’s Health and Children’s Health Council. If you have a loved one with suspected or diagnosed autism, join us today and embrace the hope, guidance, and support ESPA provides.

Services are available in English & Spanish.

Serving More Families

Bar graph of total ESPA families served: 4,789 served in 2023; 5,456 served in 2024; 6,046 served in 2025

Total Families Served Over the Years

0.9% younger than 18 months old. 62.9% 18 months to 7 years old. 26.8% 8 to 17 years old. 9.4% 18 years and older

Clients Helped by Age Group in 2024

Questions?

For more information, you can visit the Stanford Medicine ESPA page or reach out to us below:

Leave Your Feedback

If you recently completed the 4-session parent education program, please give us your feedback.

Explore the Resource Library

Access expert articles, tools, and guides on mental health, learning differences, and more in CHC’s Free Resource Library—all at no cost!