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Training Program: Early Autism Diagnosis by the Pediatrician

Saturday, April 25, 2026

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association
3697 Mt Diablo Blvd #175
Lafayette, CA

Event Cost: $25-75

 

We’re excited to share a unique opportunity for pediatricians interested in expanding their skills in early autism diagnosis and care. AAP-CA1 is offering a specially designed Early Autism Diagnosis by the Pediatrician training program. The program will be held in person in Lafayette, CA, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with two one-hour virtual learning collaborative sessions in May and June.

This comprehensive program, led by Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians from Stanford and UCSF, will equip participants with the tools to diagnose autism in young children, understand a range of treatment options, and effectively support families in accessing early intervention services. Attendees will receive hands-on training in diagnostic tools, gain insights into the causes of autism and current treatment approaches—including clinical trials—and receive an autism toolkit to support their practice.

Pediatricians in primary care practice are encouraged to apply. A certification will be granted upon full participation in this program and the completion of a pre and post-training questionnaire.

Register Here!

 

Key Topics

  • ASD Overview: Diagnosis criteria, prevalence, gender differences, and subtypes
  • Causes & Comorbidities: Etiology, clinical trials, and co-occurring conditions
  • Assessment Tools: CARS, DAYC-2, RITA, and video-computer
  • Diagnosis & Treatment: Delivering the diagnosis; developmental, behavioral, OT, and speech therapies
  • Support Systems: Regional centers, insurance navigation, and parent support (e.g., Autism Circle)

 

Agenda:

Registration:

AAP-CA1 Chapter Member  $45
Non-AAPCA1 Chapter Member     $75
Pediatric Resident $25

Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Free parking is available. 

Register Here!

 

CME Accreditation

  • This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation and policies of the California Medical Association (CMA) through the joint providership of the American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 4 and the American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 1. The American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 4 is accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 4, designates this live educational activity for a maximum of 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
  • Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the activity and individual assessment of and feedback to the learner, enables the learner to earn up to 6.5 MOC points in the ABP MOC program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.

 

Meet Our Speakers

 

Amina Ahmed, MD – Clinical Associate Professor, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Stanford

Amina Ahmed, MD is a pediatrician dedicated to caring for children and supporting families. She values compassionate, honest partnerships and believes in lifelong learning through medicine. Her approach centers on listening, collaboration, and helping children thrive.

 

 

 

Andrea DeRochi – LCSW

Andrea DeRochi is a clinical administrator with experience leading complex and innovative mental health programs across academia, start-ups, and managed care. Her work focuses on improving access to effective, high-quality mental health treatment and reducing suffering for those impacted. She is committed to advancing care through program leadership, interdisciplinary team development, revenue growth, and evidence-based clinical care for adults, families, and teens.

 

 

Ingrid Y. Lin – Clinical Associate Professor, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Stanford

Ingrid Y. Lin is a Clinical Associate Professor in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Stanford. Her work focuses on supporting children’s developmental and behavioral health. She is committed to advancing care through clinical practice and education.

 

 

 

Renee C. Wachtel, MD, FAAP – Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at UCSF, AAPCA1 Chair of the Committee of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics and the School Health Committee

Dr. Wachtel is a Developmental-Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Pediatrician. She is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at UCSF School of Medicine and is on the Medical Staff of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Dr. Wachtel is one of the founding members of the Bay Area Autism Consortium (the BAAC) and is a Board Member. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is on the Board and chairs the California Chapter 1 American Academy of Pediatrics Committees on Development and Behavior and School Health. She also chairs the Community Health Committee for the Alameda and Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA) and is a member of the ACCMA Council. She was a member of the State of California Autism Task Force, and has served as an autism expert consultant for the California Health Policy Center and the US Department of Defense autism grant review program.

 

 Maria Josefine Mba Wright, MD, FAAP  – Physician Consultant, Golden Gate Regional Center

Dr. Maria Mba Wright is a pediatrician with more than 20 years of experience caring for children and supporting families across the Bay Area. She currently serves as a physician consultant at the Golden Gate Regional Center in San Francisco and is the Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee for AAP-CA1. Dr. Wright is deeply committed to advancing equitable care and advocating for the health, development, and well-being of children with diverse needs.