Programs & Services
Programs & Services
Many families have questions following recent federal announcements and media reports about vaccine schedules, Tylenol use during pregnancy, and possible new treatments for autism. We know these headlines can create uncertainty, questions and concern. As a pediatric health care organization, Rady Children’s Health is committed to delivering evidence-based care rooted in science and delivered with…
Autism Discovery Institute
Autism Friendly Tool Kit The Autism Friendly Tool Kit provides each department trained with the tools to support patients with autism. It includes a variety of items that can be used for distraction, regulation, or motivation during a medical visit. Some items are single use and will go home with the patient while other tools…
Autism Friendly Questionnaire The Autism Friendly Questionnaire (AFQ) was developed to make health care visits for patients with autism more successful and less stressful. A multidisciplinary team was utilized to help inform the creation of the AFQ including providers from multiple specialties (Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Psychology, Acute Care, Clinical Informatics, Nursing, Child Life, IT), physician…
Cuando su hijo esté preparado para ir a la escuela, cuente con que se tendrá que enfrentar a nuevas oportunidades y a nuevos desafíos. Siga esta lista de comprobación de 8 pasos para ayudar a su hijo a tener éxito en los años de enseñanza primaria.
Cuando su hijo se convierta en un adolescente, deberá empezar a prepararse para su futuro después de la enseñanza secundaria. He aquí 6 pasos a considerar.
Si acaban de diagnosticar a su hijo un autismo, usted tiene mucho que aprender. Pero no se preocupe: usted no está solo. Hay muchos padres que ya han recorrido ese camino. Nuestra lista de siete pasos le puede ayudar a encontrar el mejor camino.
Una gran cantidad de estudios científicos que han mostrado que no existe una conexión entre las vacunas y el autismo.
Learn about developmental disorders and conditions that affect children's moods, activities, and interactions.
Having a plan for the future can help your big kid reach his or her full potential. Follow this 8-step checklist to help your child succeed during the elementary school years.
As your child moves toward adulthood, learn the tools you need to make the transition as smooth as possible. This 6-step checklist can help.
What teachers should know about autism, and teaching strategies to help students with autism do their best in school.
Find out what the experts have to say.
Autism spectrum disorder affects a child's ability to communicate and learn. Early intervention and treatment can help kids improve skills and do their best.
Overview The Autism Friendly Health System Initiative (AFHSI) was inspired by the needs of patients, families, and staff. At Rady Children’s Hospital, the AFHSI has implemented a variety of interventions including: Customization of patient visits through the use of the Autism Friendly Questionnaire (AFQ). Training staff and clinicians on proactive and reactive strategies. Adapting the…
Rady Children’s offers specialty help in emergency health Some 21,500 children on the autism spectrum visit Rady Children’s Hospital each year, more often visiting the emergency department (ED) for a range of medical and behavioral concerns. Some of those children get to meet Abbey Hye, a behavioral specialist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Rady…
Autism Discovery Institute > Get Involved
Programs & Services
Imagine being a child checking into a hospital for a major surgery or standing by for an appointment in a physician’s busy waiting room. Pretty overwhelming, right? Now, imagine that environmental stimuli such as bright lights, loud sounds and bustling crowds cause you significant distress, or that you’re unable to speak to ask questions about…
Between 2000 and 2014, the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States more than doubled, from approximately one in 150 to approximately one in 59[1]. While it’s difficult to say whether this is due to a true increase in incidence, to heightened awareness and more frequent assessments, or a…
When Alexa Ortiz was barely one year old, her mother, Cynthia, suspected she wasn’t developing normally. “Alexa is an only child, but as a mom, I just knew something was wrong,” said Cynthia. “She had no vocabulary, no eye contact, never showed any emotions. She was trapped in her own little world.” Cynthia read a…
Programs & Services
Autism Discovery Institute > Parent Education
Autism Discovery Institute > For Professionals
Autism Discovery Institute > Research
In mice, added amino acid reduced associated epilepsy and eased neurobehavioral symptoms.
San Diego, CA- Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego has opened a state-of-the art, 11,685-square-foot facility that will house the new Autism Discovery Institute. The institute will offer all of Rady Children’s autism services under one roof in a comprehensive research and treatment facility. “Having everything in one place should be much easier on families and should…
Las vacunas (o inmunizaciones) se ponen a prueba cuidadosamente para asegurarse de que sean seguras para todas las personas. Incluso después de que se aprueba una vacuna, los expertos siguen controlándola para comprobar que continúe siendo segura. Entérese de por qué millones de personas confían en ellas para ayudar a protegerse contra enfermedades graves. ¿Cómo…
Vaccines (or immunizations) are carefully tested to make sure they’re safe for everyone. Even after vaccines are approved, experts keep watching them to make sure they stay safe. Learn why millions of people trust them to help protect people from serious diseases. How Are Vaccines Studied and Improved? Before a new vaccine is used, it…
Vaccine Facts and Information Families often have important questions about vaccines, from safety and scheduling to community protection and seasonal concerns. At Rady Children’s Health, our experts are committed to providing clear, science-based guidance you can trust. Below, you’ll find trusted articles and resources, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions section designed to address…
A Continuing Medical Education Program of Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and the Division of Pediatrics Child & Adolescent Psychiatry of UC San Diego School of Medicine. Welcome to the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Grand Rounds Schedule and online UC San Diego CME Evaluation Survey. By completing our survey, you will help us to identify quality speakers for future…
Mental and Behavioral Health Services
The Fitzpatrick Family’s Journey When Silver Fitzpatrick and her family moved back to San Diego, little did they know the impact Rady Children’s Developmental Evaluation Clinic (DEC) would have on their lives. Having previously lived in Utah, where services for their children’s needs were limited, the Fitzpatrick family found a lifeline in DEC. Silver and…
Mental and Behavioral Health Services
When Rickey turned 3, his parents noticed something was different about their son compared to his siblings. Initially, signs of delay in speech, difficulty with social interactions, and fixation tendencies raised concerns. He eventually was diagnosed with autism. The Montessori preschool he was enrolled in was becoming a challenge, so his parents sought specialized services.…
Programs & Services
Rady Children’s Hospital Girl Scout Patches Rady Children’s Hospital is proud to offer the opportunity for Girl Scouts to learn more about our different program services through completion of patches focused on health awareness. View the list of Girl Scout patches that are currently available for self-completion as well as the program service they are…
About Social Stories A social story can be utilized to prepare a child or teen for an upcoming medical visit or procedure. Reviewing what to expect and practicing through medical play can help to decrease anxiety and fear surrounding the visit. It also increases the likelihood of completing the visit successfully. Please review our social…
A Valuable New Tool for Patients on the Spectrum Autism in the ER Healthy Kids Magazine—Autism in the ER Instagram – Lego MRI Instagram – Vaccine Clinic
Contact Us Questions, comments, or concerns? Interested in learning more? Please reach out! Parents and patients: Need help filling out the Autism Friendly Questionnaire in preparation for an upcoming visit? Please contact us and we would be happy to assist you! Email Us: autismfriendly@rchsd.org Thank You Our team is incredibly grateful to our former Senior…
Our Guiding Principles View our guiding principles below for how we approach autism friendly health care: Slow down and review AFQ. Customize and adapt the visit to fit the needs of the individual patient. Provide training to staff. Customize training to fit the department’s specific needs. Adapt the environment when possible. Provide tools to increase…
Team Lauren Brookman-Frazee, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Research Director Lauren is an associate professor in the UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry, associate director of the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center and the research director of the Autism Discovery Institute. Her federally funded research involves partnering with mental health and education system leaders, providers and families…
Department Training Is your department interested in becoming autism-friendly? Please contact us at autismfriendly@rchsd.org Departments Trained Children’s Primary Care Medical Group (CPCMG) Emergency Medicine Emergency Department Psychiatric Emergency Department Urgent Care Outpatient Allergy and Asthma Medical Group Audiology Cardiology Dermatology Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Developmental Evaluation Clinic DSEP/Polinsky Endocrinology Gastroenterology Hematology and Oncology Clinic Home Heath Infusion…
Barriers to Healthcare for Patients With Autism Social Communication Differences Preference for Sameness or Routine Sensitivity to certain stimuli Challenges with self-regulation Download Infographic Program Rationale Some of the tendencies inherent in an autism diagnosis can make access to routine healthcare more challenging. Children and teens with autism have more complex medical needs in comparison…
Las revisiones periódicas o "chequeos" son importantes para mantener a un niño sano y con un calendario actualizado en las vacunas contra muchas enfermedades graves propias de la infancia.
Algunos niños pueden ser elegibles para recibir servicios de educación individualizada en las escuelas públicas, sin costo alguno. Comprender cómo acceder a estos servicios es fundamental para ayudar a su hijo.
Es posible que esté más ocupado que la mayoría de los padres, pero eso no significa que tenga que hacerlo todo solo. Aquí le mostramos cómo pedir ayuda y evitar estar agotado.
Aquí encontrará información sobre lo que los maestros deben saber acerca de los estudiantes con trastornos del habla y la forma de ayudarlos en clase.
Los alumnos que requieran ayuda y apoyo adicionales pueden ser elegibles para recibir los servicios especiales que proporcionan los Programas de educación individualizada (IEP, por sus siglas en inglés). Entender cuál es su papel en la educación de un alumno con un IEP será beneficioso tanto para su alumno como para usted.
Lo que los maestros deben saber acerca del síndrome X frágil y cómo ayudar a los estudiantes con esta afección en la clase.
Con frecuencia, los médicos recomiendan hacer fisioterapia (terapia física) a los niños y adolescentes que han sufrido una lesión o que tienen problemas de movilidad debido a una enfermedad, una afección o una discapacidad.
La terapia ocupacional puede ayudar a los niños a mejorar sus habilidades cognitivas, físicas, sensoriales y motrices, y a mejorar su autoestima y su sentido de logro.
Las vacunas protegen a los niños de enfermedades potencialmente mortales. Aprenda qué son, cómo funcionan y qué hacen.
Es probable que su pequeño ya esté diciendo algunas palabras, pero es posible que no pueda entenderlas todas. Conozca cómo se comunica su hijo.
Sepa qué esperar en la revisión que se hace a los dieciocho meses y lo que su hijo ya es capaz de hacer.
Las vacunas protegen a los niños de muchas enfermedades peligrosas. Sepa qué vacunas necesita su hijo para crecer sano.
Qué esperar durante esta visita.
Si tiene un bebé de uno a dos años, usted seguirá encontrando los desafíos de resfriados, moretones y otras urgencias de poca importancia, pero también tendrá que hacer frente a la emergente personalidad de su hijo.
Cuando un niño no gana el peso que debería ganar, esto se conoce como "retraso del crecimiento". El retraso del crecimiento no es una enfermedad ni un trastorno. Es un signo de que un niño está desnutrido.
Andar de puntillas consiste en cargar el peso en los dedos de los pies, con los talones separados del suelo. Es frecuente durante la primera infancia, cuando los niños están aprendiendo a andar.
El trabajo con un logopeda o un terapeuta del habla puede ayudar a los niños que tienen dificultades con el habla o el lenguaje.
La epilepsia hace que las señales eléctricas en el cerebro fallen, lo que puede provocar múltiples convulsiones. Cualquiera puede tener epilepsia a cualquier edad, pero la mayoría de los diagnósticos nuevos se hacen en niños.
El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) es un trastorno cerebral con el que se nace. Afecta a la comunicación y a la interacción social y va acompañado de patrones de comportamiento e intereses restringidos y repetitivos.
El síndrome de Sanfilippo es un trastorno metabólico de origen genético muy poco frecuente. Un cambio en un solo gen hace que el cuerpo de un niño no pueda descomponer cierto tipo de hidratos de carbono (azúcares). Esto conduce a graves problemas en el cerebro y el sistema nervioso.
El síndrome XYY es una afección genética que solo afecta a las personas de género masculino. Lo padece 1 de cada 1.000 chicos. La mayoría de las chicos afectados por un síndrome XYY pueden crecer sanos, tener un desarrollo sexual y una fertilidad normal y llevar vidas productivas.
Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the second year.
Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 18 months.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) — also called speech therapists — are licensed professionals who diagnose and treat disorders that affect speech and interfere with communication. Speech therapists can work in schools, hospitals, or specialty clinics.
Regular well-child exams are essential to keeping kids healthy and up-to-date with immunizations against dangerous diseases. Here's what to expect at the doctor's office.
Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They help them develop, regain, and improve skills needed for daily working and living.
Behavioral health is medical care that helps manage emotions and behaviors. The main health care providers who work in behavioral health are psychologists and psychiatrists.
Learn about symptoms of mental illness and conditions that affect thinking and behavior.
Learn more about this type of autism that can impair social skills, delay speech, and cause repetitive behaviors.
Kids with this inherited disorder can do well with therapies to help treat the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral challenges they face. Learn more here.
You might have more on your plate than most parents, but it doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. Here's how to ask for help and avoid caregiver burnout.
Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child.
These plans enable students with special needs to get the accommodations required to access curricula at the same level as their classmates. This article is for educators.
IEPs make teachers of students with special needs responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring educational plans to help the students succeed in school. This article is for educators.
Kids who have special needs in the classroom may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan.
What teachers should know about students with speech impairments, and what teachers can do to help them succeed in school.
What teachers should know about fragile X syndrome, and how to help students with the condition do their best in school.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder. Children who have it are extremely picky eaters and have little interest in eating food, which can lead to poor growth and poor nutrition.
Some young kids have the eating disorder pica, which is characterized by cravings to eat nonfood items.
Occupational therapy can help improve kids' cognitive, physical, and motor skills and build their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Doctors often recommend physical therapy for kids who have been injured or have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability. Learn more about PT.
Immunizations protect kids from many dangerous diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy.
Your toddler is probably saying a few first words now, but you may not be able to understand them all. Learn about how your child is communicating.
The toddler months might continue to bring colds, bruises, and other minor emergencies, but you'll also find yourself dealing with your toddler's emerging independence.
Vaccines protect kids from potentially deadly diseases. Learn about what they are, how they work, and what they do.
Most kids grow well but some have ”failure to thrive.” This means they don't gain weight as expected and may not grow as tall as they should.
Toe walking is when kids walk on the balls of their feet, with their heels off the ground. Most children stop toe walking on their own by age 2.
Working with a certified speech-language pathologist can help a child with speech or language difficulties.