Kochel Lab for Clinical Autism Research at BCM

04/06/2026

🌟 Protecting Our Most Vulnerable: Lunch & Learn 🌟

Join the Crime Stoppers of Houston NEEDS Program for a meaningful Lunch & Learn focused on awareness, safety, and support for the autistic and special needs community.

This event is designed for counselors, educators, and professionals who want practical strategies to better protect and support those we serve. You’ll gain real-world insights, safety tools, and connect with others committed to building a more inclusive community.

📅 April 24, 2026
🕚 Doors open at 11:00 AM (Lunch & Networking)
🕦 Program: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Crime Stoppers of Houston
3001 Main St, Houston, TX

🍽️ Complimentary lunch provided

👥 Perfect for:
• School Counselors
• School Psychologists
• Special Education Teachers
• Administrators

📧 RSVP: 2024.NEEDS@gmail.com

04/03/2026

🎉 Today is World Autism Acceptance Day 🎉

Check out this great article by our very own Dr. Robin Kochel on collaborating with the community in autism research! 💙 By centering lived experiences, researchers can better understand real-world needs, improve services, and create more impactful and accessible supports.

During Autism Acceptance Month, this is an important reminder that true progress comes from listening, partnering, and valuing the voices of the autism community. Take a moment to read and learn more about how collaboration can shape better outcomes for individuals and families!

https://blogs.bcm.edu/2024/04/18/collaborating-with-the-community-for-autism-research/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ7zf1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFSS3ZEbjlSRHFFVnM2bG1Dc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPMjczNDY1NDE2MTg0MDgwAAEeo9sFu0pbfutftpBuIE0oJEnIx1DQP3EZv7h6PhiGSCf8P_wYPt1I0FacK_8_aem_w5V-hKu1c_n4S4XYntjdFQ

04/01/2026

Pal of the Month: Harriet
Pet's Age: 10
Fun Fact: Harriet loves treats, going on long walks so she can smell everything, drinking from puddles, and getting belly rubs. She also loves to howl and say hello to everyone she meets!

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

03/30/2026

Have a child with autism and a newborn baby?

Want to learn more about your infant’s brain and behavior development? Our study is for you! We are enrolling infants up to 6 months of age whose older sibling has autism. Expectant mothers are encouraged to reach out.

Families will make up to 3 visits to CHOP to complete developmental testing and a non-invasive MRI. You’ll receive verbal feedback about your child’s developmental milestones and a written report with personalized recommendations. In addition, we compensate for time, travel, and meals.

If you're interested in learning more, you can get in touch with the study coordinator by phone at (215)-796-3144 or email at ibis@chop.edu, or click the link to fill out a contact form: https://redcap.link/86vsbqdf

03/27/2026

Do you or your partner have a sibling with autism? Your growing family may be eligible to participate in the Next Gen Sibs Project—a multi-site research study exploring how autism traits run in families.

Eligible families can receive expert developmental monitoring, personalized feedback, and support resources at no cost. Visits can be in-person or via telehealth, and compensation is provided for your time.

Learn more and see if you qualify!

03/25/2026

April is quickly approaching, and that means we're getting closer to !
SPARK'sannual webinar with Dr. Wendy Chung, SPARK's fearless leader, will take place this year on Thursday, April 2nd!
Join us:
✨ Thursday, April 2nd
✨ 3:00pm-4:00pm EST
✨ Wendy Chung, M.D., Ph.D.
Register to join via Zoom: https://bit.ly/4sq05hy
RSVP & join via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CDYsyi6eB/
If you are unable to make it live, not to worry - the recording will be available everywhere once it concludes. ❤

03/23/2026

Researchers at Stanford University are conducting a study to understand more about how a common early intervention for Autistic children is perceived by caregivers from diverse backgrounds.

If you are interested in learning more or want to participate, please email us at rschuck@stanford.edu, call 650-726-1235, or visit https://redcap.link/prtsurvey_interest.

03/18/2026

Do you ever feel like you’re walking on eggshells with your child?

You want to help them navigate ADHD, anxiety, or autism, but every suggestion seems to lead to shut-downs, arguments, or slammed doors. It can feel like a delicate balance between offering support and not making your child feel “broken".

That’s why we’re sharing this free webinar from Diane Dempster and Elaine Taylor-Klaus, two voices many families in our community have found incredibly helpful.

“How DO I Help my Kids Manage Their ADHD, Autism, Anxiety (or all of them combined!)?”
This session is designed for parents who want practical tools to create a calmer, more connected home environment.
🗓️ March 19, 2026
💻 60-minute online webinar
If this sounds like something your family could use right now, you can learn more and register through this link: https://impactparents.pages.ontraport.net/HowDoIHelpMyKidsManage?orid=148546&opid=263&fbclid=IwY2xjawQmWURleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvVmZqN0VaQ25najF1SXBmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhcghif4OZDkYZczPW_TTLIs3yTHm-ifeLIiiIWpJMZfEeyVZG2XNkfxXm_W_aem_JOVyWCs1cKiQmo33LR6h3Q

Elaine Taylor-Klaus, MCC, is globally recognized as a thought leader in the fields of neurodiversity, coaching, and parenting. A 2025 CHADD Hall of Fame recipient, she is the co-founder of ImpactParents.com and ImpactADHD®, and co-created the award-winning neuro-informed training, Sanity School® f...

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.