Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research

04/02/2026

Texas Tech's scarlet isn't just a color - it's a symbol of boldness, pride, and the pioneering spirit that has defined TTU since 1923.

Today, on World Autism Day, the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research at Texas Tech University begins lighting up red each night throughout April, honoring our Red Raiders on the autism spectrum and the broader autistic community across Lubbock and West Texas.

Scarlet has always stood for the fierce determination and heart of the Red Raider family. This April, that tradition takes on even deeper meaning as we connect our university pride to our commitment to the autism community.

Each night our building glows red, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and vibrant contributions of autistic individuals — here at Texas Tech and throughout our region.

Join us as we ❤️🖤❤️🖤

04/01/2026

🦋 Sensory-Friendly Family Night at the Science Spectrum is one week away! Mention the Burkhart Center and receive a discount on tickets!

*Discount does not apply to the butterfly exhibit.

Explore the Science Spectrum in a whole new way at Sensory Friendly Family Night on
April 8th from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

At this after hours event, see the Science Spectrum from a sensory friendly perspective with dimmed lighting, low exhibit volumes, and special sensory activities and resources! This INSECT-acular night will feature all things bugs!

Guests will have the opportunity to:
Make, seek and find Butterflies
Play with Honeybee slime
Experiment with FabLab 3D Printed Fidgets
Race paper inchworms
And even meet some resident Science Spectrum bugs!

Also available for an additional fee will be the special Butterflies Alive! exhibit! Butterflies Alive! brings the magical experience of a wild butterfly encounter up close and personal, providing you and your family with the thrilling experience of being surrounded by not a single butterfly, but hundreds of butterflies and moths flying freely and closely. Contained within a nearly 3,000 square foot garden enclosure, flowering plants, trees, and ornate decorative features create an inspiring and mesmerizing atmosphere.

By attending this event, you can help further research in the Lubbock community. Kristen Green is a third-year occupational therapy student at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and is currently completing her Capstone experience with the Science Spectrum. Her Capstone project focuses on developing a web-based resource designed to help parents and caregivers identify their child’s sensory needs.

While smaller guests are exploring the various activities, parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate in Kristen’s research survey. This resource will provide practical strategies and activity ideas to promote regulation throughout the day while supporting social participation and engagement in daily life.

This event is included with standard museum admission. Additional fees for the Butterflies Alive! Exhibit apply.

03/29/2026

👟 Today's the day! Join us at 🕑 2pm at the Fuller Track & Field Complex for the Burkhart Walk for Autism!

❗ Reminders for the walk: No outside food or drink and no pets

03/28/2026

🌟 Thank you to our Patrons: Cool Kids Cuts , H2 Health , Fox Pest Control , High Point Village , PlainsCapital Bank, ResCare Community Living, and South Plains Electric Cooperative, Inc. !

👟 There is still time to register for the Walk! Visit our website and join us this Sunday at the Fuller Track and Field Complex from 2-4 PM for the Walk!

03/27/2026

🌟 Thank you to our Patrons: ACEing Autism Lubbock , Achieve Pediatric Therapy and Rehab Lubbock , Behavioral Innovations , Better Understanding of Down Syndrome , Lubbock Autism Academy at Caprock Behavioral Solutions LLC , Caprock Home Health Services, Inc., and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages !

👟 There is still time to register for the Walk! Visit our website and join us this Sunday at the Fuller Track and Field Complex from 2-4 PM for the Walk!

03/27/2026

❤️ You never walk alone! Thank you for sharing your story with us, Lopez Family!

👟 The Burkhart Walk for Autism is this Sunday from 2-4 PM at the Fuller Track and Field Complex on the Texas Tech Campus. We hope to see you there!

03/26/2026

🌟 Thank you to our Friend-level sponsors Sitton Enterprises and Superior HealthPlan !

👟 There is still time to register for the Walk! Visit our website and join us this Sunday at the Fuller Track and Field Complex from 2-4 PM for the Walk!

03/25/2026

🌟 Thank you to all of our Partner-level sponsors: 3D Services & Trucking, A Place to Call Home at Red Barn Ranch , Burkhart Enterprises, Spectrum Services & Rentals, and Walmart !

👟 There is still time to register for the Walk! Visit our website and join us this Sunday at the Fuller Track and Field Complex from 2-4 PM for the Walk!

03/25/2026

🦋 Experience the Science Spectrum in a sensory friendly atmosphere on April 8th! Check their post for details! ⬇️

Explore the Science Spectrum in a whole new way at Sensory Friendly Family Night on
April 8th from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

At this after hours event, see the Science Spectrum from a sensory friendly perspective with dimmed lighting, low exhibit volumes, and special sensory activities and resources! This INSECT-acular night will feature all things bugs!

Guests will have the opportunity to:
Make, seek and find Butterflies
Play with Honeybee slime
Experiment with FabLab 3D Printed Fidgets
Race paper inchworms
And even meet some resident Science Spectrum bugs!

Also available for an additional fee will be the special Butterflies Alive! exhibit! Butterflies Alive! brings the magical experience of a wild butterfly encounter up close and personal, providing you and your family with the thrilling experience of being surrounded by not a single butterfly, but hundreds of butterflies and moths flying freely and closely. Contained within a nearly 3,000 square foot garden enclosure, flowering plants, trees, and ornate decorative features create an inspiring and mesmerizing atmosphere.

By attending this event, you can help further research in the Lubbock community. Kristen Green is a third-year occupational therapy student at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and is currently completing her Capstone experience with the Science Spectrum. Her Capstone project focuses on developing a web-based resource designed to help parents and caregivers identify their child’s sensory needs.

While smaller guests are exploring the various activities, parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate in Kristen’s research survey. This resource will provide practical strategies and activity ideas to promote regulation throughout the day while supporting social participation and engagement in daily life.

This event is included with standard museum admission. Additional fees for the Butterflies Alive! Exhibit apply.

03/24/2026

🌟 Thank you to United Supermarkets, our Leader-level sponsor!

👟 There is still time to register for the Walk! Visit our website and join us this Sunday at the Fuller Track and Field Complex from 2-4 PM for the Walk!

03/23/2026

🌟 Thank you to our Advocate-level sponsors KAMC News , KLBK News - EverythingLubbock.com , and Trends & Friends at 5pm for their support and coverage of the Burkhart Walk for Autism!

👟 There is still time to register for the Walk! Visit our website and join us this Sunday at the Fuller Track and Field Complex from 2-4 PM for the Walk!

03/23/2026

👟 Become a Patron of the Burkhart Walk for Autism and help ensure that these services, opportunities, and advocacy efforts continue!

As an Patron, you will
☑️ Receive space and table provided at the Walk to share information
☑️ Hear your name announced at the Walk
☑️ See your logo on the Burkhart Center website*
☑️ Display your banner at the Walk (must be provided)
*There is limited space on the website for logos.

Don’t forget to join us March 29 from 2-4 PM at the Fuller Track & Field Complex for the Walk!