About the UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence

Designated as an Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2007.

Our mission is to discover early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of ASD to lower the mean age of ASD diagnosis and develop biologically informed treatment models of ASD. Because every child deserves to reach their full potential.

To achieve this we use state-of-the-art methodology including functional brain imaging and structural brain imaging, eye gaze tracking, and detailed genetic tests that map early development in a wide range of babies including those at risk for autism as well as those who are developing normally.

The ultimate goal of our program is to help families by establishing reliable biomedical indicators that will translate into rapid identification and early treatment for all children who need it.

The Autism Center of Excellence at UC San Diego is supported by...

• The National Institute of Mental Health
• National Foundation for Autism Research
• The Centers for Disease Control
• The National Institute of Child Health & Human Development
• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• The Simons Foundation
• Organization for Autism Research

Support our work

The Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) research is completely funded by grants and donations from people like you. Your support can help us continue to identify and treat autism at the early stage of life, when the possibilities for improvement are most promising.

Donate now