Kochel Lab for Clinical Autism Research at BCM

11/26/2025

🦃 Planning a calm and joy-filled Thanksgiving for a child with autism?

Check out these excellent tips from It’s a Sensory World! on creating a supportive, sensory-friendly holiday environment:

✔️ Prepare ahead: Use visuals or social stories so your child knows what to expect.
itsasensoryworld.org

✔️ Design a quiet space: A dedicated spot where they can take a break if things get overwhelming.
itsasensoryworld.org

✔️ Adjust sensory input: Consider dimmer lighting, lower noise, and familiar textures to reduce stress.
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👉 Read the full article for more ideas:https://itsasensoryworld.org/ensuring-a-calm-thanksgiving-for-kids-with-autism/

11/24/2025

🦃 Looking for ways to make Thanksgiving more joyful and inclusive for kids on the autism spectrum? Check out these fantastic tips from Empower Behavioral Health on “10 Engaging & Joyful Thanksgiving Activities for Autism”!

➡️ Read the full article here: https://www.empowerbh.com/blog/thanksgiving-activities-for-autism/

Here are a few highlights you can start using right away:
-Set up a sensory-friendly craft station: Let children create hand-turkeys or cards with textures, feathers, and fun materials.

-Create a quiet zone: Designate a calm space with noise-canceling headphones or a favorite calming toy so kids can retreat if the festivities become overwhelming.

-Use a visual schedule: Outlining the day’s events helps reduce anxiety and gives children a sense of structure and predictability.

Thanksgiving activities for autism can help create an inclusive holiday, fostering sensory engagement, social interaction, and meaningful family connections.

11/21/2025

📣 Hey Dads — mark your calendar!

Hope For Three invites you to join the Autism Dad’s Social Club Mixer — a relaxed, judgment-free evening just for fathers raising children on the autism spectrum.

📅 Date & Time: October 18, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Bar Kada, 9009 Sienna Crossing Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459
💵 Cost: Free (light refreshments provided)
🔗 RSVP encouraged: https://hopeforthreeautismadvocates.app.neoncrm.com

This is a great chance to:
-Connect with other dads who get it
-Share experiences, challenges, and victories
-Unwind and recharge in a supportive space

11/20/2025

The SPARK research team at Texas Children's Hospital is hosting an event at the Houston Museum of Natural Science to assist families with registration and completing their saliva samples. Families who attend will receive 4 free general admission tickets to the museum and special SPARK swag!

Scan the QR code below or click the following link:
https://redcap.link/6t7v8t19

11/19/2025

🦃✨ Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and gratitude — but for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, it can also bring extra stress and unexpected challenges. That’s why Autism Speaks has shared a great Q&A with expert tips on creating a holiday that’s inclusive and comfortable for everyone!

https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/tips-creating-autism-friendly-thanksgiving

11/17/2025

Winter weather doesn’t just bring cozy sweaters— it also brings seasonal health challenges for kids and families.

🌬️ Check out the latest from Texas Children's Hospital on “Winter Wellness” with helpful tips on how to keep your children healthy, including:
✅ Why flu, COVID-19, and RSV are a serious concern this season
✅ How the flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines can protect your family
✅ Everyday habits—like sleep, diet, exercise, and hand-washing—that build stronger immunity

Read the full article here: https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/media/winter-wellness

11/14/2025

Research Study Opportunity!

Researchers at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities are
looking for research participants for a study about the efficacy
of early intervention services provided over telehealth (video
conferencing) for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
and their families. Parents will receive coaching to provide
interventions to support their child's communication and
other skills.

YOU AND YOUR CHILD MAY BE ELIGIBLE IF:
Your child is between 1 and 5 years old, your child is on
a waitlist to be evaluated for ASD or has received an ASD
diagnosis in the last 3 months & is waiting for services.

WHAT DOES THIS STUDY INVOLVE?
Participants receive parent coaching 3x weekly for 9-12
weeks for 30-60 minutes over telehealth. Questionnaires
and interviews are given before and after the intervention.
Overall, parents commit to 18 months of participation.
Participants take part in video-conferencing home visits.
Research staff and community providers in training on the
use of this model in partnership with University personnel,
will connect with you via a we**am and a computer, tablet ,
or smartphone. Compensation is up to $225 per child/family.

Please contact the University of Minnesota research team
at telehealthstudy@umn.edu for more information about
the study.

11/12/2025

Adults 18+ - Thursday, November 13th, 2025 @ 6 PM- 7:30 PM

Join us for exciting online events for autistic teens and adults, hosted by current UT graduate students! Connect with others, share experiences, and build lasting friendships in a relaxed, welcoming space. Enjoy fun virtual games and activities like Jackbox games, charades, trivia, Scattergories, funny videos, and more - all while having a great time together.



AST Adult 18+ Connect Group Zoom Registration:

Join us for exciting online social events for Autistic adults, hosted by current UT graduate students! Connect with others, share experiences, and build lasting friendships in a relaxed, welcoming space. Enjoy fun virtual games and activities like Jackbox games, charades, trivia, Scattergories, funn...

11/10/2025

Anxiety is a normal part of growing up — but when it starts to take over, kids need support, not avoidance!

In this insightful article, Dr. Liza Bonin, psychologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, shares practical ways parents and caregivers can help children manage anxiety with confidence and compassion. She explains how to validate your child’s emotions, encourage coping skills, and know when to reach out for extra support.

🌱 Learn more about how to guide your child through anxious moments in a healthy way: https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/how-support-child-with-anxiety

11/07/2025

Feeling festive? Join the Autism Society Texas on Sunday, November 16th from 1-5PM for a one-of-a-kind sensory-friendly holiday party designed for family members of all ages for games, treats, resources, and a photo with Santa!

Register for our Houston Holiday Party, happening, Sunday, November 16th from 1-5PM at We Rock the Spectrum - Bellaire (6706 Ferris Street).

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Bellaire/ASTHolidayPartyWithSensorySensitiveSantaHouston?mc_cid=e09e3c7d25&mc_eid=e00a3a3ad9

11/05/2025

TAKE ACTION!

At the Autism Society of Texas, we understand that accessing food and benefits like SNAP can be overwhelming — especially for families supporting a loved one with Autism. We're here to simplify the process and connect you with reliable resources.

We’ve added an important Action Alert to our website. Take a moment to protect millions of people, including families of children with Autism and Autistic adults, who rely on food assistance and could lose benefits.

Learn more, take action, and explore resources here: https://www.texasautismsociety.org/food-access-resources-nov2025/

11/03/2025

November's Pal of the Month: Elvis

Elvis loves to sing and eat peanut butter and 'nana sandwiches. He also enjoys chasing rabbits, but he never catches them. You can see that Elvis is a proud Research PAL-be sure to ask how your pal can get Research PAL swag: asdresearch@bcm.edu

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/nuit9oos