Child Life Program | UC Davis MIND Institute

We provide direct psychosocial and child friendly care to patients and their families through education, visual preparation resources, child-friendly language, medical play sessions and additional therapeutic interventions to prepare children and their families for upcoming procedures or medical visits. We believe support begins before the procedure and aim to prepare children and their families with coping skills and knowledge to empower them for future visits.  

We provide developmentally appropriate coping strategies to address the special needs of children. We aim to minimize anxiety and reduce pain via distraction and support, as they participate in clinical visits and/or studies to further research and understanding in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities.

2025 In-Person Sibling Sessions (PDF): This program is for kids and teens (ages 7-17) who have a sibling with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, or other neurodevelopmental conditions. These sessions provide a supportive and welcoming space where siblings can be themselves, feel valued, and openly discuss the joys and challenges of having a sibling with different needs.

2025 Virtual Sibling Group (PDF): Our virtual sibling groups are for children (ages 7-13) who have a sibling with autism, ADHD, fragile X syndrome, down syndrome or other neurodevelopmental conditions. These groups provide a supportive and welcoming space where siblings can be themselves, feel valued, and openly discuss the joys and challenges of having a sibling with different needs.

We foster family centered care by promoting communication with caregivers who know their child best, empowering them with resources to support their child’s needs at the MIND Institute and in the community. We are highly involved in the development of the UC Davis PATH program which advocates for neurodiverse individuals by providing training, accommodations and supports that foster inclusive care.

We host a series of special events annually known as Family Time at the MIND to encourage and promote socialization and play among children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. In addition, we host an inclusive summer camp for neurodiverse youth on site at our clinic annually designed specifically for the needs of the children we serve.  

Our department provides an opportunity for people interested in becoming certified Child Life Specialist to gain practical experience through practicum and internship programs. Child Life Volunteers are essential in making our patients feel at ease during their time in the clinical setting.