Diagnosis and Evaluation Assistance
Understanding Different Assessments for Your Child
There are three main types of assessments: medical diagnosis, educational assessment (for special education services), and Regional Center assessment. It’s important to know that having a medical diagnosis doesn’t always mean your child will qualify for other services.
Why a Medical Diagnosis is Important
We recommend getting a formal medical diagnosis from your healthcare provider as soon as possible. This diagnosis can help you access services covered by your health insurance and provide valuable information if you decide to seek services through your child’s school or a Regional Center.
Diagnosing Autism
There are no specific medical tests for diagnosing autism. Instead, an accurate diagnosis is based on observing your child’s communication, behavior, and development. Since many behaviors associated with autism are also seen in other conditions, doctors may order various tests to rule out other possible causes. Specialists like developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, or neurologists can help make this diagnosis.
Amen Clinic Newport Beach
3150 Bristol St., Suite 400, Costa Mesa, CA
(949) 266-3750 or 1(888) 564-2700
http://www.amenclinics.com
Specializes in innovative diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of neuropsychiatric, behavioral and learning problems among children, teenagers and adults. The center utilizes brain SPECT imaging for a wide variety of neuropsychiatric problems.
AB Psych Consulting- Anthony Benigno, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist
16465 Sierra Lakes Pkwy, #140, Fontana, CA 92336
(909) 244-9593
www.abpsychconsulting.com
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE )- ages 3 to adults. Accepts: IEHP, BlueShield, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Magellan, United Healthcare, Optum, and cash pay.
As You Are
http://AsYouAre.com
(866) 219-8595
Virtual evaluations only. Available in 40 states including California for children 16 months to 10 years old. As You Are physicians utilize the CARS-2(obs) and TELE-ASD-PEDS (depending on the child’s age) assessment tools created and validated for telehealth appointments by experts in the autism field. We work with commercial insurance plans, TRICARE, state Medicaid plans and managed care partners. Our support team will review a child’s insurance benefits with their parent or guardian before the first appointment. To get started families can submit this form: https://asyouare.com/benefits/.
Autism Discovery Institute – Rady’s Children’s Hospital
3685 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA
Evaluation or service: Bonnie Corbin: 858-966-7453 or 877-64AUTISM
General information: Janae Deyoe: 858-966-1700, ext. 6170
http://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/autism-discovery-institute/
Our multidisciplinary staff includes: Occupational therapists, Speech-language pathologists, Audiologists, Neurologists and other medical specialists, Specialists in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, Developmental specialists, and Psychologists. Along with serving children with autism spectrum disorders and their families, we provide services and training for professionals working in this area.
BrainWorks Behavior Health
28999 Old Town Front St., Suite 204, Temecula, CA
71780 San Jacinto Drive, Suite F3, Rancho Mirage, CA
4000 Barranca Parkway, Suite 250, Irvine, CA
https://brainworksbehavioralhealth.com/
858- 914-1347
Specializing in Comprehensive Psychoeducational/IEE, Learning Disorder, ADHD & Autism Evaluations, Neuropsychological Assessments, EHRMS Assessments, Psychological Testing, & Therapy. Accepts several insurances and cash pay.
Collaborative Autism Management Programs Inc.
3500 Porsche Way, Ste., 325, Ontario, CA 91764
909-481-2080
https://www.collaborativeautism.org/about-us
We offer Medical Psychological Testing and Diagnostic Services performed by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. The evaluation includes a review of all medical and educational records, parent interview, assessment questionnaires, play observation, and direct testing. Ages: up to 21 years. IEHP only with referral from primary doctor/pediatrician.
Riverside Psychiatric Group – Dr. Antonius Brandon, Ph.D., Clinical Neuropsychologist
5887 Brockton Ave., Ste. A, Riverside, CA
(951) 275-8500
Conducts psychological diagnostic evaluations for ages 5 years to adults. Accepts many insurances and cash pay.
The CARE Clinic Program
17800 Highway 18, Apple Valley, CA
(760) 552-6700
www.dmselpa.org
Provides screening, assessment, and referral for children ages birth through five who are developmentally delayed, have severe behaviors or fall on the autism spectrum.
Care Connections- Variety of the Desert
42600 Cook Street, Suite 150, Palm Desert, CA
(760) 773-9800
https://varietyofthedesert.org/caring-connections/
Caring Connections is an early childhood development resource center. Our goal is to help parents in the Coachella Valley identify and recognize early childhood development concerns and provides them with the appropriate resources that can help overcome challenges and set their children on a path to success. We offer parents a quick FREE screening from Birth to Age 5. We also provide tools, resources, and support. We will help you monitor development and help bridge communication between you and providers so you as a parent are in control and can help your child onward to a successful school career and future.
Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders of Southern California
2500 Red Hill Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA
(949) 267-0400
thecenter4autism.org
Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of children birth to 22 years. Center-based services for patients that include: Ongoing care coordination and medical management up to age 5 years; Evidence-based treatment recommendations and advocacy; Social worker assessment and support services, including individual consultations, parent training, and connection to community resources; Behavior Intervention services; Speech and language services and Psychology services.
CHOC Children’s Health Center
854 Magnolia Ave, Suite #101, Corona, CA 92879
http://www.choc.org/locations/health-center-corona/
In this new, state-of-the-art facility, CHOC offers the following pediatric specialty care services in a convenient, family centered-care environment: Cardiology, Pediatric Surgery, Pulmonology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Diabetes, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Orthopedics. Currently accepts: Cigna, Aetna Blue Cross, Blue Shield and others. Most PPO and HMO Plans accepted.
Rady’s Children Health (formerly Children’s Hospital Orange County)
1201 W. La Veta Ave., Orange, CA
(714) 997-3000
https://choc.org/autism-neurodevelopmental/assessment-diagnosis/
Accepts Medi-Cal for diagnosis.
Comprehensive Autism Center
26720 Ynez Ct., Temecula, CA 92591
https://www.comprehensiveautismcenter.com/
At CAC, a licensed psychologist provides comprehensive developmental evaluations of children 0 to 6 years old (through 6 years 11 months), within San Diego and Riverside counties (Temecula location). Following insurance accepted: Aetna, IEHP, Magellan, Molina, and Tricare.
Dr. Christopher Cooper, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
6809 Indiana Ave., Suite 130-A60, Riverside, CA
(800) 790-0890
https://thepsygroup.com/
The Psychological Group is a comprehensive assessment and evaluation center that offers psychological, personality, neuropsychological, developmental and educational assessments and evaluations. We provide neurodevelopmental evaluations for Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Diagnostic Center South
4339 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA
(323) 222-8090
www.dcs-cde.ca.gov
Provides comprehensive assessments, research-based interventions, quality professional development, and a continuum of technical assistance for special education students with complex needs. To be eligible students must be between the ages of 3 and 21, be must be receiving public special education services or eligibility for special education as an issue in a Southern California county.
El Paseo Children’s Center
4075 El Paseo, Unit A-6, Palm Desert, CA
(760) 342-4900
https://elpaseotesting.com/
EPCC is a private practice based in Palm Desert, CA specializing in conducting private, independent, and school-based educational evaluations (IEE’s for IEPS). EPCC is also a Non-Public Agency (NPA) approved by the California Department of Education as a provider of special education related services on a contracted basis.
Gunn Psychological Services
8300 Utica Ave., Unit 245, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
(909) 989-4055
www.gunnpsych.com
Psychological diagnostic evaluations for children 12 months and older as well as adults. Insurance accepted depending on provider: IEHP, Kaiser, Aetna, United Health Care, and Tricare. Please call to verify insurance.
Hope Comprehensive Center for Development- Dr. Sara M. DeLeon
41760 Ivy St., #101, Murrieta, CA
[email protected]
(951) 595-4673
https://hopeccd.com/diagnostic-psychological-evaluations/
At Hope evaluations are led by Dr. Sara M Deleon , a licensed clinical psychologist, and supported by our team of Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts. Children only.
Inland Empire Autism Assessment Center of Excellence
1499 S. Tippecanoe Avenue, #A, San Bernardino, CA
19314 Jesse Lane, Suite 200, Riverside, CA
(909) 799-3777
https://www.autismassessment4ie.org/
Inland Empire Autism Assessment Center of Excellence is an evaluation-only, non-profit organization that provides the gold standard of autism and neurodevelopmental evaluation. This is done through a Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE) process, as recommended by the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society. The CDE evaluation includes a team of experts in the fields of neurology, neuropsychology, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology, all housed in one center. The outcome is definitive diagnoses, recommendations, and referrals. Locations in San Bernardino and Riverside County. Ages 1- 21 years old. Insurance Accepted: Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), Loma Linda Risk Management, and private pay.
Inland Regional Center (IRC)
P.O. Box 6127, San Bernardino, CA
(909) 890-3000
http://www.inlandrc.org
A non-profit agency that has provided support to people with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy since 1972. They provide case management and service coordination. Can provide evaluations for Early Intervention services and will assess to see if children or adults qualify for services.
Jigsaw Diagnostics
[email protected]
https://www.jigsaw-dx.com/(650) 260-8701
Get a Comprehensive Diagnosis Evaluation (CDE) for Autism by licensed and experienced clinical psychologists. Jigsaw’s tech-enabled efficient processes means you can get a complete evaluation in a matter of weeks that is accurate and affordable. In-network with many Medi-CAL plans. Superbills provided for PPO plans. We want to help your child get the services they need. Call us or get started with a FREE Autism screening today. Telemedicine psychology serving all of California.
Kyle D. Pontius, Ph.D.
23441 South Pointe Drive, Ste. 250, Laguna Hills, CA
(949) 454-9016, x3
Licensed Psychologist, #PSY 14186. Dr. Pontius specializes in diagnostic assessments for use in service applications (regional center, SSI, IEEs, etc.). Lots of experience with Asperger’s. Psychological, neuropsychological, and psycho-educational assessments.
Loma Linda University, Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics
11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA
(877) 558 6248
https://lluch.org/neurology
Pediatric neurologists provides assessment and treatment. They are currently not seeing mild ADHD, mood disorders, LD, autism or intellectual disability . If there is regressive aggression, progressive symptomology and/or children with moderate to severe or intellectual disabilities, they need a typed letter from the referring physician.
Magnolia Psychological Assessment & Therapy Center
12021 Jacaranda Avenue, Suite 201E, Hesperia, CA
(760) 454-6817
https://www.magnoliapatc.net/
Magnolia Psychological Assessment & Therapy Center strives to achieve the highest standards by implementing thorough, comprehensive assessments and recommendations with the goal of providing clarity and directions for moving forward in life. They provide comprehensive assessments for children ages 24 months to adults: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Specific Learning Disabilities. The following insurances accepted: IEHP, Aetna, Cigna, Heritage, Magellan, St. Joseph, First Health, Health Net Federal Service, Tricare, Scan Health Plan / Lucet, Inland Faculty Medical Center, Sutter Health Plan, Amanda Health, United Behavioral Health, Anthem BCBS, Medicare, Medical and Blue Shield of CA. Spanish speaking staff available.
Neuron and Rose Psychological Services– Dr. Jessica Hogan, PsyD, LP
(805) 285-2307
www.neuronandrosepsychology.com
Provides Evaluations/Assessment for Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, mood disorders, etc. Their team is passionate about providing neurodiversity-affirming evaluations for teens and adults, which are conducted remotely via telehealth. We specialize in autism evaluations for women and high-masking individuals. We also love serving the LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalized populations. We are private pay and provide flexible payment plan options.
Nixon Psychological Institute
12530 10th Street, Suite C, Chino, CA
(909) 248-3434
[email protected]
www.nixonpsych.com
At Nixon Psychological Institute, we strive to provide the highest quality of care and service to our patients. Nixon Psychological Institute offers testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder (as well as other cognitive disorders such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, learning disorders, etc.) for clients from 3 years old and onwards. They conduct a comprehensive evaluation and assessment, including ADOS-2. For clients seeking therapy, our team of clinicians can offer 1:1 sessions to address issues and difficulties. Spanish speaking staff available for psychotherapy. Nixon Psychological Institute accepts most major insurance companies including Aetna, Cigna, Healt Net, Anthem, Blue Shield CA and private pay.
Tip of the Spear Psychotherapy Group, APC.
25109 Jefferson Ave., Ste 200, Murrieta, CA
(951) 297-7773
[email protected]
https://www.tospsychotherapy.com/services
Autism and ADHD Testing. Utilized comprehensive and up to date testing methods; will provide full report with recommendations for treatment and applicable resources. Ages: 3 to adults. Insurance: Aetna, BlueShield, Cigna, IEHP, Magellan Healthcare, Molina, Medical and most major insurances. Bilingual Staff. Please call to verify insurance.
Quality Life Group, Dr. Kotomori – Child, Adolescent Psychiatrist
6529 Riverside Ave., Ste 133, Riverside, CA
(951) 684-2627
https://qualitylifegroup.com/
Board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and General Psychiatry. An expert in the diagnosis and treatment of Psychiatric Disorders and experienced with cultural issues and how they may affect the presentation, course, and treatment of psychiatric conditions. Accepts insurance including IEHP – call for more information. Only medication management.
Ubuntu Psychological Services
1307 W. 6th St., #108, Corona, CA
(888) 662-9378
https://www.ubuntupsych.com/
Ubuntu Psychological Services is a group psychology practice in Corona that specializes in providing culturally competent therapeutic services aimed at serving marginalized communities and communities of color. We provide comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis in the areas of Autism, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists. We provide assessments in English and Spanish.
UCLA Child and Adult Neurodevelopmental Clinic
University of California, Los Angeles, Semel Institute, Rm 68-237
300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA
(310) 794-4008
https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/psychiatry/child-and-adolescent/ucla-child-and-adult-neurodevelopmental-clinic
Provides a specialized, high-level of multi-disciplinary expertise. The assessment protocol routinely includes comprehensive diagnostic and cognitive testing by child psychologists, speech and language assessment and occupational therapy evaluation all with practitioners skilled and experience with autism spectrum disorders. A pediatric neurologist is also available as needed for the exploration of the many co-morbid medical issues that are seen in this complex disorder.
UC Riverside Search Family Autism Resource Center
3363 Watkins Drive, Riverside, CA
(951) 827-3849
email: [email protected]
https://searchcenter.ucr.edu/
Established by the School of Education at UC Riverside, SEARCH focuses on the screening and educational needs of children in the Inland Empire. Our services, which are provided without cost, are primarily aimed at assessing and finding referrals for children with autism spectrum disorder, and serving low-income and/or Spanish-speaking families. The screening clinic is by appointment only and located at The Eady Center, 3363 Watkins Drive, Riverside California. Please call or contact us vial email to inquire about a screening appointment. If you leave a phone message, we will return your calls Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm. Cognitive assessments available for children ages 30 months to 15 years old. Reports accepted by all insurance carriers.
(951) 278-2600
Dr. Patel practices Geriatric Psychiatry, Pediatric/Adolescent Psychiatry, and Psychiatry.
Autism Society Options Policy
This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to Autism in the Inland Empire in one place.
All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society Inland Empire. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society Inland Empire assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.
