Raising Brilliance

Autism Diagnosis in San Diego, California

Where to get an autism evaluation in San Diego, how the Regional Center route works alongside medical diagnosis, and how to navigate the waits.

San Diego is one of the better places in California to get evaluated: Rady Children's Autism Discovery Institute anchors clinical diagnosis, UC San Diego leads early-detection research, and the San Diego Regional Center offers a parallel path to services. This page explains each route and how to move quickly.

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Rady Children's Autism Discovery Institute

Hospital · diagnostic center

Comprehensive ADOS-2-based evaluations by clinical psychologists for children roughly 12 months to 17 years; neurodiversity-affirming.

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UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence

University research center

National leader in early detection (as young as 12 months) with pathways into research and early identification.

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San Diego Regional Center

Regional Center · eligibility

Assesses eligibility for Lanterman Act services and starts Early Start for toddlers with no diagnosis required.

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