It is estimated that one in 150 children in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. They can impact a child's functioning in different ways and with varying severity.
The UCSF Autism and Neurology Clinic specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children with the full range of ASDs, including autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorders, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Our team of experts includes a psychologist, a child neurologist, a child psychiatrist and a geneticist who all specialize in caring for children with ASDs.
We provide comprehensive services for children with ASDs, including clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, cutting-edge research and community outreach with schools and other community-based providers.
Our clinic also offers additional services to children with an ASD who may also be diagnosed with other neurologic or genetic conditions. In these cases, we provide neurologic and genetic consultation in coordination with the diagnostic assessment and treatment planning services available through a separate UCSF clinic specializing in autism, the UCSF Autism Clinic.
Our services include:
Clinical Assessment, Psychoeducation and Behavioral Consultation
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.
Neurologic Evaluation and Treatment
We provide a thorough neurologic history and physical examination with each child to identify any underlying causes for perceived autistic learning differences. Recommendations for further evaluation may include an electroencephalogram, which is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the brain, or laboratory investigations. Behavioral and medication plans are then integrated with the psychoeducational plan.
Genetic Evaluation
While all the causes of ASDs are still unknown, genetic factors clearly play a strong role. Research suggests that known medical and genetic causes may contribute to 10 percent of cases of ASDs. We provide a detailed genetic assessment and make recommendations for a tailored genetic evaluation based on each child's history and examination.
Our experts are actively conducting cutting-edge research to better understand ASDs. Currently, we are recruiting patients for the following research studies:
If you're interested in participating in our research studies, please contact our clinic coordinator at (415) 476-7385.
Many of our services are covered by health care plans. Our insurance department will check your coverage before scheduling your child's appointment. We accept self-pay for all families. We are currently unable to accept Medi-Cal and Healthy Families Programs for psychology and psychiatry services.
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 & Neurology Clinic
401 Parnassus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone: (415) 476-7500
Fax: (415) 476-7163
Hours: Two days a month
Dates and hours vary
Last updated January 24, 2012
