Kochel Lab for Clinical Autism Research at BCM

01/16/2026

Reminder: Join us on Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Cara Ramos, OTR, MOT discusses practical strategies families can use to increase or reduce sensory inputs for their children with autism. Afterwards, Sadaf Ali, MA, CCC-SLP will lead a networking activity, allowing families to connect with each other.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Melcher Life Sciences
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 11 am - 1 pm
🍽️ Lunch will be provided for attendees
🚗 Parking is free
🔗 RSVP Required: https://redcap.link/n0j0v7uy

Child care will be provided for this event.

Join us on Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Cara Ramos, OTR, MOT discusses practical strategies families can use to increase or reduce sensory inputs for their children with autism. Afterwards, Sadaf Ali, MA, CCC-SLP will lead a networking activity, allowing families to connect with each other.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Melcher Life Sciences
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 11 am - 1 pm
🍽️ Lunch will be provided for attendees
🚗 Parking is free
🔗 RSVP Required: https://redcap.link/n0j0v7uy

Child care will be provided for this event.

01/16/2026

Do you have a typically developing child in grades 2–5 who has a sibling with different abilities? Give them a chance to connect, relax, and have fun this summer at Sibshops: Growing up with Siblings of All Abilities!

This FREE in-person workshop is a fun-filled event designed to give siblings a much-needed break and the opportunity to connect with peers who truly understand their experience. Siblings must be in grades 2-5 to participate.

🗓️ Date: Summer 2026

📍 Location: In-person at the Meyer Center

Register Soon! This program fills up fast. For more information or to register, email SWPROGRAMS@TEXASCHILDRENS.ORG.

01/14/2026

Join SPARK for the first webinar of the year!
Strategies for Caregivers to Support Emotion Regulation
DATE: Thursday, January 29th, 2026
TIME: 12:00-1:00pm EST
SPEAKER: Rebecca C. Shaffer, Psy.D., HSPP
👉🔗 Register here to join via Zoom: https://bit.ly/4aQzbtj
👉🔗 FB Live: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AQT5kDfAS/

01/12/2026

The University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program is looking for participants for a new research study focused on mental health and psychiatric medication. Whether you have used psychiatric medication or not, your perspective is valuable!The Autism Intersectionality & Mental health outcomes (AIM) Lab at the UNC TEACCH Autism Program is recruiting participants for a new research study to understand the experiences and opinions of autistic people about psychiatric medication for co-occurring mental health conditions.

We are looking for adults in the USA (at least 18 years old) with a diagnosis of autism or who self-identify as being autistic to complete an anonymous, online survey. The survey will take about 20-25 minutes and we are offering a $10 gift card to each person who completes the survey. Participants may or may not have any prior or current experience taking medication.

To participate, click the following link: https://bit.ly/aimlabmeds

01/09/2026

The Organization for Autism Research offers a wide range of practical guides and toolkits for parents caregivers educators and self advocates. Many of these materials are available at no cost and you can choose up to two free resources to download. These resources cover topics such as school success daily living transitions and emotional well being and are designed to be clear accessible and helpful. A great place to explore trusted information and support.

Click here to see more:

The Organization for Autism Research publishes and provides resources to support families, autistic individuals, educators, employers, and clinical professionals.

01/08/2026

January's Pal of the Month: Georgie

Pet's Name: Georgie
Type of Animal/Breed: Treeing Walker Coonhound
About our Pal: George is named after George Harrison! 🎸

Do you have a pet "pal" who would like to be featured as a Research PAL of the month, or are you currently looking for a "pal"? Complete our form to submit information about your PAL to be featured: https://redcap.link/icf4mbf0

01/07/2026

Have you signed up yet? Our event with Dr. Huh is happening on January 31st at 11am.

The goal of this talk is to help our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) families with concerns for potential autism spectrum disorder navigate the journey from the pediatrician's referral to an evaluation with a developmental-behavioral pediatrician (DBP). We will also discuss next steps in medical care and support following a diagnosis from the DBP.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Autism
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 11 am - 1 pm
🍽️ Lunch will be provided for attendees
🚗 Parking is free
🔗 RSVP Required: https://redcap.link/10cx5sw2

01/07/2026

Looking for guidance on supporting behavior and social needs for individuals with Down syndrome? Check out this helpful article from Texas Children’s Hospital by Jennifer S. Kazmerski, PhD, BCBA D, DBSM! It explores common behavioral and social support strategies such as understanding communication styles, supporting social skills, and creating positive environments that can make daily life more comfortable and meaningful for individuals with Down syndrome. A great read for caregivers, family members, and anyone looking to build stronger connections and understanding.

https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/behavior-and-social-support-needs-for-individuals-with-down-syndrome

01/05/2026

Join us on Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Cara Ramos, OTR, MOT discusses practical strategies families can use to increase or reduce sensory inputs for their children with autism. Afterwards, Sadaf Ali, MA, CCC-SLP will lead a networking activity, allowing families to connect with each other.
Event Details:
📍 Location: Melcher Life Sciences
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 11 am - 1 pm
🍽️ Lunch will be provided for attendees
🚗 Parking is free
🔗 RSVP Required: https://redcap.link/n0j0v7uy
Child care will be provided for this event.

Join us on Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Cara Ramos, OTR, MOT discusses practical strategies families can use to increase or reduce sensory inputs for their children with autism. Afterwards, Sadaf Ali, MA, CCC-SLP will lead a networking activity, allowing families to connect with each other.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Melcher Life Sciences
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 11 am - 1 pm
🍽️ Lunch will be provided for attendees
🚗 Parking is free
🔗 RSVP Required: https://redcap.link/n0j0v7uy

Child care will be provided for this event.

01/05/2026

Driving can be an important step toward independence, but it can also come with unique challenges for autistic individuals. This helpful resource from Autism Speaks explores ways autistic drivers can identify themselves while driving and offers practical tips to promote safety, understanding, and confidence on the road. A great read for autistic teens, adults, parents, and caregivers navigating the driving journey together.

Read more here:

Increasingly, states are offering a voluntary notation on a driver's license or issuing identification cards that indicate a driver has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or related condition. Find out what your state offers and learn more to consider if it is right for you.

01/02/2026

Register for a free webinar on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (US) to learn more about disparities in autism identification among Black children and accessible treatment models designed to better serve underserved communities. This live webinar highlights disparities in autism ascertainment, exploring how systemic barriers, bias, and access to care impact timely diagnosis and support for Black families. Understanding these inequities is a critical step toward more inclusive, equitable care for all children on the autism spectrum.

Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Learn about disparities in autism ascertainment in Black children and accessible treatment models that can help reach underserved populations. About the speaker: Aisha S. Dickerson, PhD, MSPH, is an associate

12/31/2025

🎉 Setting Up New Year’s Resolutions for Success
As the new year approaches, this insightful article from the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) shares practical tips for creating realistic, strengths-based New Year’s resolutions for autistic individuals. The guide emphasizes achievable goals, flexibility, and self-compassion—helpful for families, educators, and caregivers supporting positive growth in the year ahead!

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Like starting a new chapter in a book, a new year brings anticipation of what we can expect. Starting the new year with resolutions sets us up for success and gives us a jumpstart on achieving our goals, whether those goals are to eat healthier, help an autistic loved one get a driver’s license, o...