Developmental Medicine Clinic

The Developmental Medicine Clinic offers assessments and care for children age 12 years or younger with behavioral, developmental and learning challenges. We specialize in diagnosing and managing neurodevelopmental conditions, including developmental delay, complex attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (complex ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as the mood and anxiety problems that can accompany these conditions.

Specialists at our clinic include neuropsychologists, developmental-behavioral pediatricians and a nurse practitioner. A registered nurse and a social worker provide additional support, as needed.

We collaborate with our patients and their families to assess individual needs and develop strategies for addressing behavioral and developmental problems in the areas of self-regulation, peer and family relationships, attentional issues and academic performance. We also may suggest strategies to help with specific issues, such as following directions, learning daily routines or establishing healthy sleep patterns.

At this time, because of the extensive demand for and shortage of specialty providers, our clinic primarily offers consultations to confirm your child's diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan. For any advanced testing or ongoing symptom management that our specialists recommend, we provide referrals to the appropriate local agencies that serve your community. Children or adolescents with urgent mental health needs – such as psychosis, evidence of being actively suicidal, or recent psychiatric hospitalization – will be referred to appropriate psychiatric care.

Our locations (2)

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    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.

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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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    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.

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    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.

    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.

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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.

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    The Resilience Clinic Evaluation

    36-item caregiver-report questionnaire validated as a measure of parenting stress (level of stress within the context of parenting). Responses indicated on a 5-point Likert scale. Higher scores indicate higher levels of parenting ...

    Recruiting

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    Tender wagging care

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

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