At UC Davis MIND Institute, we offer robust diagnostic testing services. These include medical evaluations and developmental testing for autism, intellectual disability and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.

We are actively involved in advancing care for neurodevelopmental conditions through research and clinical trials. These efforts give children with neurodevelopmental disabilities access to the latest technologies and therapies. Join our research community.

We offer several clinics with specialized expertise in neurodevelopment and behavioral conditions. These clinics care for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduates and children with autism, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Down syndrome, intellectual disability, feeding problems and fragile X syndrome.

Children with ADHD often have challenges with attention, focusing and impulse control. They may also have excessive bursts of energy or constantly move.

People with autism have brain differences that can make it hard to communicate and interact with other people. They may also self-soothe with repetitive behaviors.

Intellectual disabilities affect how children learn and function. They develop before children turn 18.

Gene or chromosome mutations (changes) can affect how children’s brains develop and function. Neurogenetic disorders happen when children inherit these changes or other factors alter their genes. Neurogenetic conditions tend to be rare and include chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and fragile X syndrome.

Children with speech and motor delays don’t reach speech or motor development milestones as expected. Motor skills involve being able to use your body to do specific tasks and movements, such as writing or jumping.

Your health and age when pregnant can affect your child’s development after birth. Research has also linked diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and infections during pregnancy to developmental challenges. Poor diet and low birthweight can also affect your child’s development and behavior.

Psychosocial factors include exposure to trauma and abuse. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, unstable housing and food insecurity also matter.

Environmental factors can impact your child’s development before and after birth. Exposure to alcohol, drugs, smoking, certain medications and environmental contaminants like lead may increase your child’s likelihood of developing a neurodevelopmental condition.