Frequently Asked Questions | Clinics and Programs | UC Davis MIND Institute

Our developmental pediatricians and psychologists evaluate children and adolescents (ages birth to 18) for conditions like autism, complex ADHD, developmental delays, and other challenges that can affect communication, socialization, learning, and daily functioning.

The evaluation process is designed to be thorough and collaborative:

Initial Intake: We'll begin with a detailed interview with you, the caregiver. We'll talk about your child's strengths, your concerns, and the goals for the evaluation. This first visit can be done virtually or in person. After this, you’re provider may order additional studies and you might complete some questionnaires and forms to help us learn more about your child.

Insurance Authorization (if needed): If an evaluation is needed for medical care, we'll work with your insurance provider to get authorization before we move forward.

Evaluation Appointment: A follow up visit will usually be scheduled, most often in person. This visit can last from one to four hours, depending on your child's needs. We use standardized assessment tools and clinical observations to get a complete picture of your child's strengths and needs. The clinicians may  observe your child's social and communication skills through play and conversation, complete a physical exam and further discuss your concerns about behavior, development and health.

Results and Next Steps: After the evaluation, we'll meet with you to discuss our findings, possible diagnoses, and a personalized support plan. A report detailing the results of the evaluation will be available in your child's electronic medical records, which you can access through the MyUCDavisHealth app. We can also schedule a follow-up visit to check on your child's progress, answer any questions, and adjust the treatment plan.

While the UC Davis MIND Institute offers a wide range of specialty services, we do not address the following:

Motor skills and sensory processing: Although concerns related to fine/gross motor skills and sensory processing are assessed in diagnostic evaluations at the MIND Institute, requests for therapy to address gross or fine motor concerns should be referred to occupational therapy or physical therapy.

Speech and language: Although concerns related to speech, language and communication are assessed in diagnostic evaluations at the MIND Institute, requests for therapy to address speech and language delays should be referred to a speech and language therapist and requests for feeding therapy should be directed to a feeding therapist. 

Educational and learning concerns: For questions primarily related to reading, math, writing, and school performance, families should seek support through their local school district (for school-aged children) or a psychologist in your community that specializes in evaluation of learning disorders. 

Concerns related to depression, anxiety, and other mental health needs: These mental health conditions are best addressed by a child psychiatrist or therapist.

Neuropsychological evaluations: Neuropsychological evaluations for concerns related medical conditions such as tumor resection, traumatic brain injury, seizures, childhood cancer and progressive neurodegenerative disorders are not within the MIND Institute’s specialty services and may be referred to a child neurologist or neuropsychologist. 

Some cases of ADHD: MIND Institute providers offer care for children with complex ADHD that occurs alongside other neurodevelopmental conditions. For ADHD concerns in children without co-occurring autism or other developmental conditions, please seek assessment and management with your primary care provider or a child psychiatrist.

ABA therapy: For Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, families should contact their health insurance provider or local Regional Center to help them find an ABA provider in their area.

For additional guidance, families are encouraged to consult their primary care provider for referrals and next steps.

To help your visit go smoothly, please consider the following:

Arrange childcare for other children: Appointments may last up to half a day, and childcare is not available onsite.

Bring comfort items: A favorite toy, book, or blanket can help a child feel more relaxed.

Pack snacks and drinks: This is especially helpful for children with specific dietary needs.

Talk about the visit ahead of time: Let your child know they will spend time talking, playing games, and doing activities with the provider. Knowing what to expect can help reduce worry.

We understand that a clinic visit can feel like a big event for families. Preparing ahead of time can help ease concerns. If extra support may be helpful, Child Life Specialists are available. Explore services offered by our Child Life Program.

We are focusing on children who are needing an initial evaluation. The clinic does not provide second opinions or re-evaluations. However, our genetics team may offer additional evaluations when more testing is needed to clarify a diagnosis.
 

We offer both in-person and virtual visits. The type of visit depends on the reason for the appointment, your child’s age, and the type of evaluation needed. Many first visits are held virtually. This allows parents or caregivers to share information about their child and discuss concerns with the provider. In-person visits are usually required when a child needs testing or cognitive evaluations.

Parking is available for patients in Parking Lot 25, located next to our building. Please park only in spaces marked “Patient Parking.” No parking permit is required for our patients.

Yes, we have interpreters for many languages. If possible, please call 916-703-0300 a few days before the appointment to schedule an interpreter. 

You can learn more about participating in research on our research page.

We can see adults for certain services. For example, the Genomic Medicine and fragile X syndrome clinics care for individuals of all ages, including adults. The Transition to Adult Clinic helps individuals ages 16–26 find the services and support they need as they move to adult care. The ACCESS Program helps young adults build coping, planning, and social skills so they can succeed in school, work, and community settings.

Please note: Developmental monitoring, diagnostic evaluations, and therapy programs are only available for patients ages birth to 18.