Skip to Main Content

Early Motor Evaluation Clinic

The Pediatric Early Motor Evaluation Clinic provides specialized assessments for infants and toddlers (ages 2 to 24 months) who show early signs of motor delays, differences in movement, or muscle tone concerns. Our goal is to identify challenges early so that every patient gets the care they need to reach their full potential.

As the only clinic of its kind in Northern California, and among a select few nationwide, we fill a critical gap in early childhood care during the most crucial stages of motor development.

Conditions we treat

  • Motor delays
  • Muscle tone differences (including hypotonia and hypertonia)
  • Movement disorders (including early signs of cerebral palsy)
  • Asymmetrical movement patterns
  • Developmental coordination concerns
  • Delayed head or trunk control
  • Feeding-related postural challenges
  • Genetic conditions affecting motor development
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Prematurity-related motor concerns
  • Visual-motor integration concerns

Why choose us?

  • Expert multispecialty teams. Pediatric rehabilitation physicians, physical therapists and occupational therapists collaborate to provide a comprehensive evaluation in a single visit.
  • Early access to care. We help families understand their child's needs and quickly connect them to therapy and support services.
  • Family-centered approach. We provide clear guidance and support to help families take confident next steps.

Our locations (1)

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

    your-stay-2x

    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

    Learn more
    your-childs-care-team-2x

    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

    Learn more
    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Support services

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

    social-services-2x

    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

    Accessibility Resources at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals

    We're committed to providing equitable access and reasonable accommodations for all patients and visitors. Learn about resources available to your family.

    activity-rooms-2x

    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

    art-therapy-program-2x

    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

    music-program-2x

    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

    school-program-2x

    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

    school-re-entry-program-2x

    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

    family-support-program-2x

    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

    patient-relations-2x

    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

    spiritual-care-2x

    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

    international-services-2x

    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Related clinics (7)

    physical-medicine-and-rehabilitation-clinic-320x320-2x 2

    Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic

    Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland

    9

    Neurology Program

    Neurology Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Brentwood / Greenbrae / San Mateo / San Ramon ...

    physical-therapy-clinic-320x320-2x 2

    Physical Therapy Clinic

    Physical Therapy Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland

    3

    Cerebral Palsy & Movement Disorders Center

    Cerebral Palsy & Movement Disorders Center

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek

    occupational-therapy-clinic-320x320-2x 2

    Occupational Therapy Clinic

    Occupational Therapy Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland

    ortotics-and-prosthetics-clinic-320x320-2x

    Orthotics & Prosthetics Clinic

    Orthotics & Prosthetics Clinic

    1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    orthopedic-clinic-320x320-2x 7

    Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

    Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Greenbrae / San Ramon / Fremont / Walnut Creek...

    Fetal surgery firsts

    The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF in the early 1980s.

    Share