Kochel Lab for Clinical Autism Research at BCM

01/23/2026

🌟 Upcoming Community Programs for Families & Youth 🌟

The Meyer Center, in partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, is excited to offer several FREE programs this spring and summer! Whether you are a caregiver looking for support or have a child ready for some social fun, we have something for you.

🗓️ For Caregivers: Practical Guidance Speaker Series
Join our Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellows for expert-led sessions in Deer Park:

Feb 24 (1:30–2:30 PM): Hidden in Plain Sight: Anxiety in Individuals with Developmental Diagnoses.

March 31 (10:00–11:30 AM): Fostering Independence in Children and Adolescents.

📍 Location: Dow Active Complex, Deer Park, TX.

Register today by emailing swprograms@texaschildrens.org

01/22/2026

⚠️ Due to inclement weather expected this weekend, the Simple Sensory Strategies event scheduled for this Saturday has been rescheduled for a later date. A new date will be announced soon. Thank you for your understanding!

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.

01/21/2026

You’re Invited to The Ultimate Playoff Game Night Social!

Parents, take the night off while your teens and young adults enjoy a night of gaming, Legos, and more! The Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Autism is hosting a FREE social event designed for fun and connection.

🗓️ Event Details:
When: March 27th, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CT
Where: The Meyer Center
Cost: FREE (Dinner is included!)

Please note: This is a drop-off event!

For more information or to register, email SWPROGRAMS@TEXASCHILDRENS.ORG

01/19/2026

🕊️ Honoring Dr. King: Books & Activities for the Next Generation

The Helping Kids Rise blog has put together a curated collection of children’s books, activities, and educational resources designed to help kids understand the values of justice, equality, and community.

What’s in this resource?
•Diverse Book Lists: Thoughtfully selected titles for various age groups that celebrate Dr. King’s vision.
•Hands-on Activities: Engaging ways to bring the message of the Civil Rights Movement to life for young learners.
•Conversation Starters: Tools to help navigate important discussions about fairness and character.

Check out the full resource here:
👉

These children's books about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will inspire children to use their voice, take action, and work to keep Dr. King's dream of equality and equity alive. We've included over 25 Martin Luther King Jr. children's books for ages 0-adult. Share these inspiring Martin Luther King Jr....

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