UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence in San Diego, California

The UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) stands at the forefront of autism research and clinical services. Established in 2007, ACE was designated as an Autism Center of Excellence by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The center’s mission is to discover early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to lower the mean age of diagnosis and develop biologically informed treatment models. This commitment ensures that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Services and Facilities

ACE offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities dedicated to early detection, research, and community support:

• Early Detection and Screening: ACE emphasizes the importance of identifying ASD at the earliest age possible. The center provides free developmental evaluations for children between 12-36 months if autism or other delays are suspected.

• Eye Gaze Tracking: Utilizing advanced eye-tracking technology, ACE identifies patterns that can serve as early signs of autism. This research has led to the development of the Geometric Preference Test, an eye-tracking-based biomarker of a specific autism subtype.

• Sleep MRI: The center conducts sleep MRI studies to understand early brain development in children with ASD. This non-invasive method allows researchers to observe brain activity during natural sleep, providing insights into neural mechanisms associated with autism.

• Structural and Functional Brain Imaging: Through MRI and fMRI technologies, ACE investigates the structural and functional aspects of the brain in individuals with ASD. These studies aim to identify specific patterns and abnormalities that could lead to earlier diagnoses and targeted interventions.

• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI): DTI is employed to study the white matter tracts in the brain, offering insights into neural connectivity and potential disruptions associated with ASD.

• Genetics Research: ACE conducts detailed genetic tests to map early development in a wide range of babies, including those at risk for autism as well as those who are developing typically.

• Stem Cell Studies: The center utilizes cells derived from skin to study neural development and potential therapeutic approaches for ASD.

• Brain Tissue Research: By examining brain tissue, ACE aims to uncover the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of autism, contributing to the development of effective treatments.

Community Engagement and Resources

ACE is deeply committed to supporting the San Diego community through various initiatives:

• Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network: As one of 16 sites in the ADDM Network, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ACE collects data to shed light on the number of individuals living with autism and other developmental disabilities in the San Diego community.

• SPARK Initiative: ACE participates in SPARK, the largest autism research project in US history. The mission is to speed up research and advance the understanding of autism to help improve lives. Over 6,000 participants, including individuals diagnosed with ASD and their family members, have signed up for SPARK through ACE.

• Educational Resources: The center provides resources and training for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to promote early detection and intervention strategies.

Contact Information

For more information or to participate in ACE’s programs:

• Address: 8110 La Jolla Shores Dr #201, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

• Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8 am–5 pm

  • Saturday and Sunday: Closed

• Phone: +1 858-534-6900

• Website: UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence

• Email: info-ace@ucsd.edu

Conclusion

The UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence is dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Through cutting-edge research, comprehensive services, and community engagement, ACE strives to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.