Kochel Lab for Clinical Autism Research at BCM

03/16/2026

Date:
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Time Zone:
Central Time - US & Canada (change)
Location: Meeting Room
Campus: Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library
Age Group: All Ages
Registration is required.

https://calendar.houstonlibrary.org/event/16107922

Join us for a welcoming, inclusive event for kids and adults of all abilities. Enjoy sensory crafts, performances by Brave Little Company, Axiom Quartet, and Arts Lyrica, plus a quiet room, partner tables, and free sensory support like earplugs, fidgets, and loaner headphones. Register here: https://ow.ly/agyV50YoBhW

Saturday, March 21, 2026
Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library
1 PM - 4 PM

03/16/2026

🌟 Struggling with Dental Visits? Learn How to Support Your Child’s Sensory Needs.

📅 March 25, 2026
🕕 6:30 PM PT

"Supporting Dental Visits, Daily Oral Care, and Sensory Needs in Children with Autism"

Navigating dental care can be overwhelming for many children with autism, especially when sensory sensitivities are involved. This webinar will offer practical strategies to help families prepare for dental visits, build successful daily oral care routines, and support sensory needs with confidence.

✨ Featuring Dr. Sara El‑Sherbini, DMD, MSD
Dr. Sara is a board-certified pediatric dentist with personal and professional expertise in sensory-sensitive care. Her own sensory challenges and dental anxiety as a child shaped her passion for helping neurodivergent kids feel safe, understood, and successful in the dental chair. Today, she specializes in caring for children with autism and complex needs—making her the perfect guide for this important topic.

Families will learn:
✔️ How to reduce anxiety and build familiarity before a dental visit
✔️ Sensory-friendly tools and strategies for oral care at home
✔️ Ways to partner effectively with your child’s dental team
✔️ Approaches that empower children and support long-term dental health

Accessibility Requests:
If you need closed captioning or an ASL interpreter, please email our Program Coordinator, Anel Ibarra, at events@ieautism.org with the event title, date, and time at least 7 business days before the webinar.

RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../WN_x37A_Nt1Q4-H7VFmfmTAQQ...

03/13/2026

*New Research Opportunity*

For questions, please contact UHTRACK@times.uh.edu or scan the QR code.

03/13/2026

Is your teen with autism getting ready for college? 🎓

The transition from high school to college can bring new challenges — from managing time and staying organized to living independently without familiar supports. This resource from Child Mind Institute shares practical tips for planning ahead, building self-advocacy skills, and setting students up for success. With the right tools and preparation, college students with autism can truly thrive!

Learn more → 🔗

Young adults going to college with autism need to develop some of the life skills that come with more independence, from getting organized to self-advocacy.

03/11/2026

⭐ Free Webinar Opportunity!

Join the Autism Speaks Autism Response Team and The Autism Society of Texas (TASK) for an upcoming webinar:

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) for Life: Pathways to Independence and Connection for Autistic Teens and Adults

This session will explore how AAC systems can be customized for adult life, including vocabulary for employment, self-advocacy, and individual needs. Participants will also learn practical strategies for transition planning, funding AAC supports, and becoming effective communication partners.

Register here: bit.ly/45Qiqejd

03/09/2026

🌟Research Opportunity 🌟

Check out this study currently recruiting men ages 18–65 who are experiencing symptoms of depression to participate in a study evaluating an AI-based assessment tool for depression! Participation includes four study visits over several months, and participants can receive up to $365 in compensation. Participation will not affect your current medical care.

If you or someone you know may be interested, you can learn more by:
• Emailing sequoiastudy@bcm.edu
• Calling 713-798-2151
• Completing the eligibility survey here: https://redcap.link/faybcsfs

03/06/2026

The Autism Society of Texas, together with Chill Act (Children’s Health, Inclusion, Learning & Leadership), invites you to join CHILL ACT Texas, a free resource Expo in Houston and Dallas! Registration will be free for parents, caregivers, and all attendees! 🍕The first 500 families to register will receive a FREE family sized Pizza! RSVP link below!

For one powerful day , families will meet therapy providers, medical professionals, educators, enrichment programs, and kids’ activity leaders under one roof. From autism and developmental support to sports, STEM, arts, and homeschool resources, CHILL ACT creates a complete ecosystem of care, learning, and opportunity for children of all abilities.

**HOUSTON- NEW DATE!!**
Date: June 13, 2026
Venue: Bayou City Event Center, Houston, TX

*Dallas*
Date: May 30, 2026
Venue: Plano Event Center
2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas 75074

FREE RSVP for attendees can be found here:

FREE REGISTRATION FOR FAMILIES

03/04/2026

🌟 Don’t Miss This Important SPARK for Autism Webinar! 🌟

Awareness is just the first step — now it’s time for action. Join the conversation around “Awareness to Action — Combating Autism Disparities in Black Communities”, a powerful webinar hosted by SPARK for Autism featuring Natasha Nelson, Founder and CEO of Supernova Parenting Foundation.

Let’s move from understanding to action together. 💙✨

In this recorded webinar, Natasha Nelson discusses why disparities exist in Black autism communities and what needs to change to turn awareness into action.

03/02/2026

March Pals of the Month: Honey and Bee

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

02/27/2026

The Henrys got genetic news about their son from the SPARK autism study. But that didn’t end their research journey.

Read their full story here:

The Henrys got genetic news about their son from the SPARK autism study. But that didn’t end their research journey.

02/25/2026

Attention Mental Health Providers!

02/23/2026

The recording of our latest talk is now available!

You can watch it here:

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 jo...