Diagnosis and Evaluation Assistance
As stated earlier, there is a difference between a medical diagnosis, an educational assessment (for special education services) and a Regional Center assessment. It is possible to have a medical diagnosis and not qualify for services. We recommend you seek out a formal medical diagnosis through your health care provider as soon as possible. A medical diagnosis may give you access to certain services covered under your health insurance, and it may provide an outside source of information if you choose to pursue services through the school or Regional Center.
There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism. An accurate diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual’s communication, behavior, and developmental levels. Because many of the behaviors associated with autism are shared by other disorders, various medical tests may be ordered to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms being exhibited. A developmental pediatrician, a psychiatrist or psychologist, or a neurologist can assist in making a diagnosis.
Amen Clinic Newport Beach
3150 Bristol St., Suite 400 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(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.
Anthony Benigno, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist PSY26432
AB Psych Consulting
3200 Guasti Road, Suite 100
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 906-0076
www.abpsychconsulting.com
Assessments in the areas of Autism, Learning Disability, ADHD, Cognitive Capacity and Immigration. Accept IEHP and other insurances.
Autism Assessment Center of Excellence (AACE)
www.autismassessment4ie.org
1499 S. Tippecanoe Ave., #A, San Bernardino, CA 92408
19314 Jesse Lane, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92508
(909) 799-3777
The Inland Empire Autism Assessment Centers (AAC) are world-class centers of excellence that focus on providing the Gold-Standard* of evaluation for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children can be seen at the centers from birth until their 21st birthday. Our transdisciplinary team of professionals include pediatric neurologists, general pediatricians, clinical psychologists, neurodevelopmental psychologists, educational psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, geneticists, behavioral health professionals, licensed social workers and MFTs, evaluation coordinators, and paraprofessional staff.
Autism Discovery Institute – Rady’s Children’s Hospital
3685 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123
Scheduling evaluation or service, call Bonnie Corbin: 858-966-7453 or 877-64AUTISM
For general information, call 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.
Autism Evaluation Clinic (AEC) at UCLA
Semel Institute, Rm 68-237 University of California, Los Angeles
300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1200, Los Angeles
(310) 794-4008
www.autism.ucla.edu
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.
Autism Heroes
420 Brookside Ave, Redlands CA 92373
(909) 312-3070
www.myautismheroes.com
Autism Heroes focuses on providing ABA services to individuals with disabilities in school settings, in-home settings, and in the community. By not only collaborating with the individual but with their professional team and family we seek to reach a cohesive intervention plan to benefit the individual. Offers a number of services including Diagnosis by a medical doctor, behavioral feeding therapy, and sexuality training.
Dr. Antonius Brandon, Ph.D., Clinical Neuropsychologist
5887 Brockton Ave. Ste A, Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 275-8500
Offers Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment and Evaluations for children and adults
The CARE Clinic Program
17800 Highway 18, Apple Valley
(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.
Casa Colina
255 East Bonita Ave, Pomona
(909) 596-7733 or 1 (866) 724-4127
www.casacolina.org
Many programs are offered for children ages 1 month to 15 years with various disabilities or developmental disorders. Physical, occupational, speech therapists and early intervention specialists provide treatments in both indoor and outdoor settings designed specifically for children.
Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders of Southern California
2500 Red Hill Ave, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(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 – #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 Most PPO and HMO Plans accepted.
CHOC Children’s Hospital
1201 W La Veta Ave Orange, CA 92868-3874
(714) 997-3000
choc.org
Will accept Medi-Cal for diagnosis
Dr. Christopher Cooper, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
6809 Indiana Ave Suite 130-A60, Riverside CA 92506
(800) 790-0890
Hope Comprehensive Center for Development- Dr. Sara M Deleon
41760 Ivy St #101, Murrieta, CA 92562
info@hopeccd.com
(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.
Coachella Valley Lighthouse
78900 Avenue 47, Suite 105, La Quinta, CA, 92253
760.625.0951
https://cvlighthouse.com/
Excellent qualified staff working collaboratively in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), 1-1 Tutoring and assessments.
Dr. Muhammad Salim, Pediatric Neurology
1180 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Ste. W214, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 416-4545
47-647 Caleo Bay Dr, Suite 101, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 771-6166
58457 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Suite 200, Yucca Valley, CA 92284 (760) 228-1813
Dr. Salim’s clinical interests include medical and surgical management of epilepsy, Video EEG monitoring in the setting of epilepsy monitoring unit, critical care EEG monitoring and neonatal neurology and autism.
Easy Speech Therapy Center
41555 Cook Street Suite 100, Palm Desert, CA 92211
P: 760-837-0033 F: 760-837-1013
http://easyspeech.org/
Easy Speech Therapy Center offers board-certified Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy, and Psychological Services for both adults and children. As a designated Qualified Autism Service Provider, our expansive facility is designed to provide customized therapy services in an inviting and nurturing environment. Utilizing our comprehensive care approach, we provide an effective personalized intervention that improves the lives of the individuals and families we serve.
El Paseo Children’s Center
4075 El Paseo Unit A-6 Palm Desert CA 92260
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.
Inland Empire Autism Assessment Center of Excellence
1499 S. Tippecanoe Avenue, Building A, San Bernardino CA 92408
19314 Jesse Lane, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92508
(909) 799-3777
https://www.autismassessment4ie.org/
Offers the gold standard in pediatric evaluations for autism.
Inland Regional Center (IRC)
P.O. Box 6127, San Bernardino, CA 62412-6127
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
Telemedicine psychology serving ALL of California
https://www.jigsaw-dx.com/
info@jigsaw-dx.com650-665-9240
Get a Comprehensive Diagnosis Evaluation (CDE) for Autism and tailored care plan from licensed and experienced clinical psychologists. Jigsaw’s tech-enabled efficient processes means you can get a complete evaluation and care plan in less than 2 weeks that is accurate and affordable. $1900 cash pay and we’ll submit superbill to your insurance to get partial reimbursement, $0 out of pocket if you have Anthem Blue Cross Medi-CAL, or take advantage of the promotional dx-only pricing of $750 if you have non-Anthem Medi-CAL insurance. We want to help your child get the services they need. Call us or get started with a FREE Autism screening today.
Diagnostic Center South
4339 State University Drive, Los Angeles CA 90032
(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.
Dr. Varsha Patel, MD
127 North McKinley Street Suite 101, Corona
(951) 278-2600
Dr. Patel practices Geriatric Psychiatry, Pediatric/Adolescent Psychiatry, and Psychiatry.
Gunn Psychological Services
10470 Foothill Blvd, Suite 116, Rancho Cucamonga
(909) 989-4055
www.gunnpsych.com
Group psychology practice in Rancho Cucamonga which conducts objective testing including the ADOS-2 as part of evaluating children for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Work with all ages from infants/toddlers through adulthood. Accepts most insurance plans. Additionally can test for intellectual giftedness, or for a emotional, behavioral or cognitive disorder (e.g. ADHD, Learning Disorder, Autism, Post concussion syndrome, Depression, Anxiety, etc).
Inland Psychiatric Medical Group Inc
1809 W. Redlands Blvd, Redlands
(951)737-1917
http://www.inlandpsych.com
Provides Adolescent and young adult psychiatry, Adult psychiatry, Behavioral Health Services, Psychiatric Consultation Services, Evaluation and Treatment, and Child, Adolescent and Adult Therapy. Speak: Farsi, Hindi, Persian, Spanish and Telugu. Takes a number of insurances, check the website for up to date info.
Kyle D. Pontius, Ph.D.
23441 South Pointe Drive, Ste 250, Laguna Hills
(949) 454-9016, x3
www.drkyle.net
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, California 92354
(877) 558 6248
lomalindahealth.org/medical-center/our-services/pediatric-neurology/for-health-care-professionals/residency/faculty.page
Pediatric neurologists provides assessment and treatment. They are currently not seeing mild ADHD, mood disorders, LD, autism and mild retardation. 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.
Quality Life Group, Dr. Kotomori – Child, Adolescent Psychiatrist
6529 Riverside Ave Ste 133, Riverside
(951) 684 2627
www.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.
San Diego BrainWorks
28936 Old Town Front St., Suite 104, Temecula
www.sdbrainworks.com
Specializing in Comprehensive Psychoeducational/IEE, Learning Disorder, ADHD & Autism Evaluations, Neuropsychological Assessments, EHRMS Assessments, Psychological Testing, & Therapy.
74-710 Hwy 111 Ste 102
Palm Desert CA 92260
480-382 – 4142
terrymatteophd@gmail.com
http://www.terrymatteophd.com
Specializes in autism diagnosis for individuals, 18 months of age to adulthood. I have developed a special interest in assessment of young adults with high functioning autism, girls and women on the spectrum, and early childhood diagnosis. Helping to support a child’s development, increase a parent’s understanding and insight into their child’s behavior, and helping to access effective treatments.
Ubuntu Psychological Services
1307 W 6th St, Corona, CA 92882
(888) 662-9378
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.
Anesthesia and Dental Procedures for Children and Adults With Autism
Many children and adults with ASD may need to be put under anesthesia for dental procedures. Medical insurance is responsible for the general anesthesia needed for dental treatment if a person is under the age of 7 or has a disability — however, medical insurance will only pay in a hospital setting or outpatient surgical center. There are two of these currently in the Inland Empire: Loma Linda Koppel Special Care Dentistry Center or Redlands Dental Surgery Center. Both are considered outpatient surgery centers. Kaiser Permanente can also arrange for in-hospital anesthesia for dental procedures.
Loma Linda Koppel Special Care Dentistry Center
https://dentalclinics.llu.edu/koppel-center/
909-558-4663
Treats the individuals that cannot sit through a normal dental visit. All of the procedures performed at our facility are done under general anesthesia. While our patients are under, we usually perform a number of procedures. Ranging from simple cleanings to complex endodontic surgeries, they attempt to take care of patients’ dental concerns in one visit. The Koppel Special Care Dentistry Center is located at the LLU School of Dentistry in Prince Hall. Prince Hall is the home of several other dental clinics and dental academic programs.
Redlands Dental Surgery Center
https://www.redlandsdentalsurgerycenter.com/
1180 Nevada St, Ste 100, Redlands
909-335-0474
Provides dental treatment for patients who require general anesthesia for dental care.
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. 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 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.
