Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders
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Specialized care for autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental disorders
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we offer comprehensive care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Children and their families have access to an expert team that understands the unique needs and challenges of kids with ASD and other NDDs. Our team includes child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists and other experts. We evaluate and treat kids of all ages, from children age 3 and younger to adolescents and young adults.
Our providers are actively involved in research to better understand and manage neurodevelopmental disorders in children. We're also expanding awareness in communities and access to care by educating future health care providers about ASD and NDDs.
Diagnostic evaluations for autism and NDDs
Specialists work closely with families to provide detailed evaluations customized to each child's age and symptoms. Here's what to expect during the evaluation process:
Intake. Our social worker meets with your family to gather background information and determine if a full autism assessment is needed.
Testing. Your family meets with a psychologist and other providers for comprehensive testing. Autism testing is spread out over several days, with each session lasting 3 to 4 hours. We review your child's history and perform developmental, cognitive, communication and psychiatric assessments.
Results. We meet with you to review test results and discuss any diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Follow-up. Our social worker addresses any questions or concerns you have about your child's treatment plan. We connect you with any services you need at UCSF or in your community.
Individualized treatment plans for autism and other NDDs
Our specialists recommend proven treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to support your child's functioning. We work closely with your family, school staff and any providers involved in your child's care.
You receive personalized treatment recommendations and referrals to help your child:
Build focus to complete homework, chores and daily tasks
Develop healthy self-care routines
Improve communication and play skills
Manage emotional concerns, such as depression or anxiety
Reduce challenging or disruptive behavior
Notice for families
Our program currently has a long waitlist for new patient autism evaluations and treatment. Please feel free to contact us for a current estimate of the wait time or with any other questions.
Specialized care for autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental disorders
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we offer comprehensive care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Children and their families have access to an expert team that understands the unique needs and challenges of kids with ASD and other NDDs. Our team includes child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists and other experts. We evaluate and treat kids of all ages, from children age 3 and younger to adolescents and young adults.
Our providers are actively involved in research to better understand and manage neurodevelopmental disorders in children. We're also expanding awareness in communities and access to care by educating future health care providers about ASD and NDDs.
Diagnostic evaluations for autism and NDDs
Specialists work closely with families to provide detailed evaluations customized to each child's age and symptoms. Here's what to expect during the evaluation process:
Intake. Our social worker meets with your family to gather background information and determine if a full autism assessment is needed.
Testing. Your family meets with a psychologist and other providers for comprehensive testing. Autism testing is spread out over several days, with each session lasting 3 to 4 hours. We review your child's history and perform developmental, cognitive, communication and psychiatric assessments.
Results. We meet with you to review test results and discuss any diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Follow-up. Our social worker addresses any questions or concerns you have about your child's treatment plan. We connect you with any services you need at UCSF or in your community.
Individualized treatment plans for autism and other NDDs
Our specialists recommend proven treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to support your child's functioning. We work closely with your family, school staff and any providers involved in your child's care.
You receive personalized treatment recommendations and referrals to help your child:
Build focus to complete homework, chores and daily tasks
Develop healthy self-care routines
Improve communication and play skills
Manage emotional concerns, such as depression or anxiety
Reduce challenging or disruptive behavior
Notice for families
Our program currently has a long waitlist for new patient autism evaluations and treatment. Please feel free to contact us for a current estimate of the wait time or with any other questions.
Providers
Whitney Ence, PhD
Psychology (Child and Adolescent Psychology)
Anne Glowinski, MD
Psychiatry (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)Amber Leckie, PhD
PsychologyCory Patrick, MD
Psychiatry (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
Awards & achievements
One of the nation's best for behavioral health
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
Treatments
- Autism Testing
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Developmental Assessment
- Psychological Assessment
- Psychological Testing and Evaluation
Trials & research
Clinical trials
External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for Children With ASD + ADHD to Reduce Elevated SymptomsOpens in a new window
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) works to treat ADHD symptoms in children on the autism spectrum (ASD). It will also learn about the efficacy and tolerability of the eTNS device. The main questions it aims to answer are: - Does eTNS reduce ADHD symptoms? - Does eTNS improve core and associated features of ASD?...Brain Development Research ProgramOpens in a new window
Dr. Elliott Sherr and his collaborators at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) are studying the genetic causes of disorders of cognition and epilepsy, in particular disorders of brain development that affect the corpus callosum, such as Aicardi syndrome, as well as two additional brain malformations, polymicrogyria and Dandy-Walker malformation...
Research initiatives
UCSF Department of Psychiatry ResearchOpens in a new window
The department conducts basic, clinical and translational research across many sites, studying the biological, psychological and social factors behind mental illness to develop better treatments.
Support services
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 at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
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
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric 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 for Hospitalized Children
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
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
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.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
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 at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
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 at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
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.