The Autism Clinic, at the UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute serves families and children affected by autistic spectrum disorders — autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and Asperger’s syndrome. The clinic, which was established in 1983, moved to UCSF in 1989 and follows more than 3,000 children. It is one of the largest and most active autism specialty clinics in the United States.
The clinic combines ongoing clinical research, cutting-edge diagnostic procedures specific to the autistic spectrum disorders and individualized treatment plans. We have a special focus on the diagnosis of children younger than three years of age, but we serve the entire autistic population through the school years into adulthood.
In accordance with the California Diagnostic Best Practice Standards, our experts conduct an in-depth developmental history, play session and cognitive assessment with each child. Symptom-specific treatment plans and behavioral interventions are then developed based on the autistic learning disability approach. In developing a treatment plan, we focus on the entire family and use a range of methodologies and evidence-based treatment strategies. We also partner with school and community based providers.
The Autism Clinic offers a two-week intensive parent and child training program for newly diagnosed children, their families and treatment providers.
Bryna Siegel, a developmental psychologist and director of the Autism Clinic. consults with schools and government agencies throughout the United States in developing treatment programs, as well as frequently lecturing nationally and internationally to teachers, mental health professionals and parents.
The Autism Clinic welcomes colleagues from many disciplines to visit the clinic, observe assessment procedures and meet with clinic staff. Please contact the clinic coordinator or director to make arrangements.
To make an appointment, please call the number below for any necessary forms and have your child's pediatrician or specialist fax the forms back to us.
Autism
401 Parnassus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone: (415) 476-7500
Fax: (415) 476-7163
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Appointments scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.
Public parking for an hourly fee at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital is available in the seven-level Millberry Union Garage at 500 Parnassus Ave. There are two garage entrances — one on the north side of Parnassus Avenue and another on Irving Street, just east of Third Avenue.
Another garage with an hourly fee, at 350 Parnassus Ave., is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Metered street parking is rarely available.
Patients being admitted to the hospital may be dropped off at the circular driveway leading to the main entrance at 505 Parnassus Ave. This area also may be used to pick up patients who are being discharged.
For more information about parking at Parnassus, call Campus Parking Services at 476-2566.
Valet parking service is available at the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) at 400 Parnassus Ave. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The valet service is free but patients must pay regular parking fees. For more information about the valet service, call (415) 476-6200.
A UCSF "greeter" also is available at the ACC from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist patients find their way.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital is accessible via Muni streetcar line N-Judah*, which stops at Second Avenue and Irving Street, and the following Muni bus lines, which stop in front of the hospital:
For more information about Muni visit, www.sfmuni.com.
* Wheelchair accessible bus routes
