At Rady Children’s, supporting children and families, regardless of their circumstances, diagnosis, condition, or injury, is at the heart of our mission. We provide care that is grounded in scientific evidence, informed by the latest research, and aligned with best practices to ensure each patient receives the most effective and appropriate treatment.
Tylenol, Vaccines and Autism: Information for Families
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 compassion.
Rady Children’s Autism Discovery Institute seeks to empower children, teens and families by providing comprehensive and collaborative neurodiversity-affirming services, including through its preschool, Alexa’s PLAYC, which provides a nurturing and inclusive program for both those with autism spectrum disorder and their typically developing peers, and the Autism Friendly Health System Initiative, which provides training and education to medical staff on improving outcomes for patients with autism during medical visits. We believe in the incredible potential of neurodiverse children and in their unique strengths, perspectives and skills. We strive to ensure we provide appropriate, effective care and interventions to meet the unique healthcare needs of neurodiverse individuals and their families.
The Autism Discovery Institute’s core team includes:
- Clinical psychologists
- Board-certified behavior analysts
- Behavior Specialists
- Social workers
We regularly collaborate with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physicians, and developmental specialists.
Our Mission:
The Autism Discovery Institute seeks to empower children, teens, and families by providing collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming services.
Our Vision:
Through education, advocacy, and direct care, we build the foundation for fulfilling lives.
Our Values
Families – We improve the self-determined quality of life for every child and family by working towards the goals they identify as most important.
Outcomes – We use evidence-based strategies, individual data collection, and program evaluation to ensure that every encounter has a meaningful impact.
Connection – We build and strengthen the connection needed to propel families, our community, and our field forward
Continuity of Care – We support families in finding the service they need when they need it.Related Programs
Alexa’s PLAYC
Alexa’s PLAYC is a preschool that provides a nurturing, inclusive, play-based preschool program for children aged 18 months to 5 years, welcoming both those with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing peers. Offered through Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and Murrieta, our program celebrates each child’s individuality and empowers them to explore through hands-on, self-directed play.
Autism-Friendly Health System Initiative
The Autism Friendly Health System Initiative (AFHSI) at Rady Children’s Hospital is a comprehensive program designed to meet the unique needs of patients, families, and healthcare staff. By utilizing the Autism Friendly Questionnaire (AFQ), the initiative prioritizes the customization of patient visits to ensure personalized care.
Support Our Program
One hundred percent of your tax-deductible gift benefits Rady Children’s.