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Pediatrician Participation


Research Participation

Are you a pediatrician who would like to participate in our research or would like to refer babies you think might be autistic?

The UCSD Autism Center of Excellence has developed a network of more than 150 pediatricians in the San Diego area, all working to systematically screen babies at the 1-year check up to help identify those at risk for autism, language delay and other developmental delays.

For the first time, pediatricians are working hand-in-hand with scientists to discover the early causes of autism. A research paper describing the UCSD ACE pediatrician and scientist collaborative project is currently under review in a scholarly journal. Read the abstract of the paper.


Become a Pediatrician Affiliate

Learn more about becoming a Pediatrician Affiliate

The usual first step to being an ACE pediatrician affiliate is to participate in an informational luncheon. Dr. Karen Pierce and another ACE member will come to your office during your lunch hour and discuss the overall screening project. We will distribute informational packets and present key issues about early autism screening.

Every child considered at risk and referred by your office will receive free developmental evaluations by a Ph.D. level psychologist, free blood screening for Fragile X, free follow-up evaluations, free written reports, prizes for the child, and access to knowledgeable staff.

The UCSD Autism Center of Excellence program is a wonderful resource for families and all of the pediatricians that have participated so far feel that it adds a positive dimension to their practice. Best of all, it will really help UCSD scientists discover a bio-behavioral signature of autism as early as 12 months.

We are very committed to this research and grateful to pediatricians for working with us. If it weren't for pediatricians and supportive parents, this research would not be possible.

Get in touch!

The luncheon is for informational purposes only. You can decide if you'd like to proceed at that time.

If you are interested in scheduling a luncheon, contact the Autism Center of Excellence clinical coordinator at 858-534-6912 or email: info-ace@ucsd.edu.