Kochel Lab for Clinical Autism Research at BCM

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...

02/19/2026

Grupo de apoyo para padres/cuidadores
¿Tienes un hijo/a con autismo, TDAH o un diagnóstico del desarrollo?

Únete a nuestro grupo en persona para compartir experiencias, estrategias y recursos con otras familias.

📍Cuarto miércoles del mes
🕥10:30–11:45 AM
✉️ Regístrate escribiendo a: SWPROGRAMS@TEXASCHILDRENS.ORG

Organizado por el Meyer Center en Texas Children’s Hospital. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!

02/17/2026

🌟 Happy Lunar New Year! Wishing You Strength, Freedom, and Joy in the Year of the Horse! 🐎

As we step into the Year of the Horse, a symbol of vitality, perseverance, and independence, let’s also celebrate the strength and spirit of our AAPI families and children on the autism spectrum.

This insightful article from Optism offers practical, culturally thoughtful strategies for making Lunar New Year celebrations more inclusive and sensory-friendly:
https://optism.co/everyday-life/features/how-celebrate-chinese-new-year-children-autism

In this guide, you’ll find tips on:
✅ Using social stories and visual schedules to prepare for festivities
✅ Honoring traditions while adapting for sensory needs
✅ Creating meaningful and calm moments during a vibrant holiday

Whether it's a gentle introduction to red envelopes 🧧, exploring lanterns, or simply sharing a special meal together—there are many beautiful ways to honor culture while embracing neurodiversity.

02/16/2026

🌟 Recurso para familias 🌟

Les comparto PODER Familiar, una presentación de SPARK for Autism que aborda la salud y el bienestar de familias que cuidan a niños con discapacidades del desarrollo, incluyendo el autismo. Este programa fue creado para apoyar a familias Latinas y ofrece estrategias prácticas para manejar el estrés y fortalecer la salud familiar.

👉 Míralo aquí:

Esta presentación explora la salud de familias cuidando niño/as con discapacidades del desarrollo incluyendo el autismo y describe una intervención desarrollada para promover la salud de familias…

02/13/2026

Valentine’s Day can be a meaningful and enjoyable experience for children of all abilities, including those on the autism spectrum. This resource from Centria Healthcare shares five simple, family-friendly ideas designed to support children with autism while making Valentine’s Day meaningful and enjoyable.

🔗 https://centriahealthcare.com/resources/5-valentines-day-ideas-for-children-with-autism/

Highlights from the article include:
-Explaining the meaning of Valentine’s Day in a way that your child can relate to
-Creating a list of special people and helping your child make personalized messages
-Practicing how to exchange valentines in structured, predictable ways
-Making cards together to build fine motor and creative skills
-Building a Valentine’s Day sensory bin for calming, hands-on engagement

These simple, inclusive ideas can help you create a holiday that’s centered around connection, comfort, and love🩷

Celebrate Valentine's Day with your child with autism using these five inclusive, enjoyable activities tailored for their needs.

02/12/2026

Register now for the 2026 Child & Adolescent Mental Health Update Conference.

Scan the QR code to register.

02/11/2026

February's Pal of the Month: Lulu

Pet's Name: Lulu

Age: 3 years old

Type of Animal/Breed: Bully Mix

About our Pal: Lulu was rescued from the shelter a few hours before being put down. She is a special girl that survived hardships before finding her way home. She loves her brothers and knows she is the princess of the house. Lulu is super lovable and energetic. She enjoys giving kisses, eating veggies, hearing mom sing her personalized songs, and taking care of her family.

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

02/09/2026

📣 Now Recruiting: Autism Research Study for Girls (Ages 8–12)

The UC Davis MIND Institute is currently recruiting participants for the Language and Executive Function in Girls with Autism (LEAF) Study. This research aims to better understand how language and executive functioning relate to academic and social skills in school-age autistic girls.

Who can participate?
Girls with autism ages 8–12

🔗 Join the Research Participant Registry here: https://bit.ly/RPRsignup

Interested or want to learn more?
Contact the study coordinator at 916-703-0226 or hs-language.research@ucdavis.edu

02/06/2026

📣 Research Opportunity for Families 📣

Researchers are seeking children ages 4–6 years, 11 months with suspected or diagnosed autism and anxiety to participate in a study focused on understanding and treating anxiety in young autistic children.

What’s involved?
• 14 weeks of parent Zoom sessions
• Parent questionnaires
• $100 compensation for full participation

📞 Interested?
Contact Belina Onomake at 667-205-4036 or OnomakeB@kennedykrieger.org

02/04/2026

🔍 Research Opportunity for Latino/a Caregivers

Are you a Latino/a caregiver of an autistic child currently receiving home-based ABA services? You may be eligible to participate in a brief, anonymous online survey examining caregiver experiences with cultural responsiveness in ABA services! Please see the flyer below and contact kpenner@ucsb.edu with any questions.