Skip to Main Content
neurodevelopmental-integrative-care-clinic-2x

Neurodevelopmental Integrative Care Clinic

Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health provides holistic care for children with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder, Tourette syndrome and certain behavioral issues. Our approach combines mainstream medical treatments with safe, effective alternative therapies.

As integrative providers, our goal is to treat the whole child rather than a set of symptoms. For children with autism spectrum disorder, for instance, we aim to address the digestive, nutritional and immune system issues that often accompany the behavioral symptoms of autism.

During the initial assessment, we thoroughly evaluate your child's health and development, looking at strengths as well as challenges. The assessment consists of two one-hour sessions, spaced one to three weeks apart. In between visits, we may ask you to complete laboratory tests or gather additional information.

After the assessment, we'll provide a treatment plan designed to meet your family's needs and values. This plan may include nutritional testing, dietary changes, use of supplements and behavioral interventions, as well as other strategies. In some cases, we also refer patients for complementary therapies, such as traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback therapy, yoga or massage therapy. If you're considering or already using medication for your child, we’ll integrate it into the treatment plan.

We'll also help advocate for and coordinate other services that would benefit your child, such as intensive behavioral management or speech therapy.

Children have an innate drive and capacity to heal, and we encourage this by involving your child as much as possible in the treatment process. As your child's needs change over time, we'll continue working with your family to adjust the plan as needed.

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

    Related clinics (2)

    Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center

    Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center

    675 18th Street
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    osher-center-for-integrative-medicine-320x320-2x

    Osher Center for Integrative Health

    Osher Center for Integrative Health

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

    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.

    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.

    individual-playtime-and-tutoring-2x

    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.

    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.

    Our research initiatives

    • osher-center-for-integrative-medicine-research-2x

      Osher Center for Integrative Health Research

    Fetal surgery firsts

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

    Share