Fremont, Hayward, Oakland, Richmond

Do you have a child with autism?

If your family has children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there’s a place you can go for support. Psychologists in the Child and Family Psychiatry Department at our Oakland and Richmond Medical Centers have developed a comprehensive range of services to assess and treat children with ASD. 

“ASD is a neurobiological disorder that can result in severe, lifelong problems in a child’s ability to interact and communicate with others,” says Jose Lopez, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Oakland. “Many children with ASD have repetitive behaviors, rigid or inflexible thinking, and are obsessive and preoccupied with an object or idea.”

Dr. Lopez co-leads the program with psychologist Ema Davila, PsyD, in Richmond. Services for children include diagnostic assessment and appropriate health care services. We also offer some social skills groups for certain age groups, case management to help with school placement, and groups for siblings of children with ASD to help them understand and cope with the challenges their families face.

Parents can take classes, some of which require a fee, to learn strategies for working with their children’s behavioral challenges. We also offer weekly parent support groups so parents can get help navigating the school system, find community resources, and become informed advocates for their children.

If your child has been diagnosed with ASD or you suspect he or she might have it, ask your physician for a referral or call the Psychiatry Department for an appointment:

• Oakland: 510-752-1075  
• Richmond: 510-307-1640  

To learn more about ASD, search “autism” in our health encyclopedia.

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