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Psychiatry & Psychology

Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center

(415) 476-7000

UCSF's Pediatric Center for ASD & NDDs offers highly specialized care for pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With a team that includes child psychiatrists who specialize in autism, we have particular expertise in diagnosing children under the age of 3, though we are also dedicated to ongoing care for autistic kids through the school years and into adulthood.

Each child who comes to us receives a comprehensive evaluation from our experts, who then develop a symptom-specific treatment plan based on proven strategies. Our care addresses the needs of the entire family and invites their participation in treatment. We also partner with caregivers at schools and in local communities.

In addition to providing cutting-edge diagnostic testing and individualized treatment plans, the center is active in research on autism and NDDs. Our goal is to lead the way to better understanding and treatments, and to promote the well-being of people with these conditions by providing support throughout their lives. As part of achieving this goal, the center's work includes training future specialists and educating the public about these disorders.

Our locations (1)

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • One of the nation's best for behavioral health

    Related conditions

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Copies of previous evaluations
    • Completed medical forms that we will mail to you ahead of time
    • Insurance card

    For visitors

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

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Our research initiatives

    • ucsf-center-for-asd-and-ndds-research-2x

      UCSF Center for ASD and NDDs Research

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    • ucsf-department-of-psychiatry-research-2x

      UCSF Department of Psychiatry Research

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    Related clinics (3)

    Hyperactivity, Attention & Learning Problems (HALP) Clinic

    Hyperactivity, Attention & Learning Problems (HALP) Clinic

    729 Tennessee St.
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    Early Intervention Services

    Early Intervention Services

    312 Clay St.
    Oakland, CA 94607

    neurodevelopmental-integrative-care-clinic-320x320-2x

    Neurodevelopmental Integrative Care Clinic

    Neurodevelopmental Integrative Care Clinic

    1545 Divisadero St., Fourth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94115

    Support services

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    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.

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    Parent Support Program

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

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    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.

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    Spiritual Care

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

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    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.

    Tender wagging care

    Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.

    Visit Child Life services

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