Kochel Lab for Clinical Autism Research at BCM

06/17/2026

The Felicia Smith Summer Jigsaw Puzzle Competition returns on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Rosenberg! Gather your team of four and compete in this exciting two-hour puzzle challenge for fun, teamwork, and bragging rights.

This special event honors the legacy of Felicia Smith and supports Hope For Three’s mission to help autistic individuals and their families.

Spots are limited, and registration is NOW OPEN: https://hopeforthree.org/events/

06/15/2026

Quiet Discovery Hours, a sensory-friendly program, will be held 9am - 10am on Sat. June 13, Sat. July 18, & Sat. August 1, 2026. Designed to provide a welcoming and low-stress environment, these sessions offer early access with limited crowds, no overhead music or announcements, and a quiet outdoor Atrium for relaxation. Guests can enjoy a predictable atmosphere and an inclusive art activity, with the flexibility to stay as long as they like to ensure a comfortable, engaging experience for children of all abilities. Thanks to The Learning Lane for supporting this event. Included in the price of admission, which is $10 for adults and children 1 year and older.

Click for ADMISSION and EVENT TICKETS The cost of admission is $9 for adults and children 1 year and older. (Additional walk-in fee applied at the door) Credit Card charges will display as WOODLANDSCHILDRENMUSEU Spring Hours Jan. 2nd – May 30thTues-Thurs 9:30am-2pm,Fri. 9:30am-4pm,Sat. 10am-5pm.Cl...

06/12/2026

Autism Society of Texas has in-person and online support groups for Autistic individuals and their loved ones across Texas to help people connect and find community! For more info on all of our upcoming groups, visit their web calendar here: https://www.texasautismsociety.org/calendar/

This month they are highlighting the Waco Teen Group. This group is for teens ages 13-17 to come have fun, play games and make friends in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Parents are required to stay on site.

This group meets the first Sunday of the month at Bitty & Beaus in Waco. The next meeting is June 7th from 3:00-4:30PM. RSVP now here: forms.gle/yi6fzifMKrbMyFkp9

The Autism Society of Texas invites Autistic teens ages 13–17 in Waco to connect, have fun, and build friendships in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our teen group meets monthly at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Waco, TX and is completely free to attend. This group is centered on recreation an...

06/10/2026

Reposted from Autism Speaks Houston 💙

Summer is officially here, Houston! 🍉☀️

While we’re excited for fun in the sun, we know that losing the structure of the school year can make the transition to summer a bit challenging for many autistic children and families.

To help families navigate the seasonal shift with confidence, Autism Speaks Houston shared a fantastic blog post written by an Autism Response Team associate and mom featuring 4 practical, real-life strategies for a smoother summer:

✨ Maintain routines using visual schedules, timers, and “First/Then” concepts
✨ Plan support early by coordinating therapy sessions or respite care
✨ Lean on your community through support groups, playdates, and local resources
✨ Give yourself grace and embrace imperfect days together

Let’s make this a safe, fun, and connected summer for our families! 💙

Read the full article here:

The school year is winding down and it's time for Summer break! Click here to read four tips for a smooth transition into Summer.

06/08/2026

As summer approaches and more families spend time around pools, lakes, beaches, and water parks, it’s an important reminder to talk about water safety and wandering prevention in the autism community 💙

Many autistic individuals are naturally drawn to water, and wandering/elopement can place children at increased risk for drowning-related accidents. Research has shown that drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among autistic children, highlighting why proactive safety planning, swim education, and community awareness are so important.

Water safety can include:
💧 Swim lessons and water familiarization
💧 Constant supervision near water
💧 Door alarms, locks, or wandering prevention plans
💧 Teaching emergency and safety skills
💧 Educating schools, caregivers, and community members

The Autism Society’s Safety on the Spectrum™: Water & Wandering Program provides education, resources, and prevention strategies to help keep autistic individuals and families safe. ()

Learn more here:

The Safety on the Spectrum™: Water and Wandering is a national effort that aims to increase water safety and education across the Autism community.

06/05/2026

Did you know that gastrointestinal (GI) issues are common in individuals with autism? 💡

Many autistic children and adults experience symptoms like constipation, abdominal pain, gas, or diarrhea—and these challenges can significantly impact daily life, including school, play, and overall well-being. Research suggests that these concerns may be linked to factors like sensory sensitivities, restricted eating patterns, genetics, and even certain medications.

Because some individuals may have difficulty communicating discomfort, GI issues can sometimes show up as changes in behavior, mood, or eating habits. Recognizing these signs and addressing underlying medical concerns can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.

If you’re interested in learning more about the connection between autism and GI health, check out this article from SPARK:
👉

Many autistic people have gastrointestinal problems. Researchers look at what might be happening.

06/03/2026

Stanford Medicine is recruiting children with autism (ages 2–4) for a language treatment study exploring how brain imaging may help predict response to Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT).

Participants will:
• Complete an MRI during natural sleep
• Take part in a 16-week parent training program
• Receive study-related evaluations at no cost

If you are interested in learning more or seeing if your child qualifies, visit: is.gd/stanfordprti or scan the QR code in the flyer.

For questions, contact: (650) 736-1235 or [email protected]

06/01/2026

Not finding a support group in your area that fits your needs – or wondering about how to start your own? Join ASERT for a live, virtual panel discussion on starting and maintaining an autism support group. Hear real stories, practical tips, and encouragement from people who’ve been in your shoes. Learn from those who have been where you are!

👉 Register for the English panel on June 9, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: https://cstu.io/3d031e
👉 Register for the Spanish panel on Thursday, June 11,12:00 - 1:00 pm: https://cstu.io/3da134

05/29/2026

Navigating the transition to adulthood can bring up a lot of questions—especially around legal decision-making and independence for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

This resource from ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training) provides a helpful overview of guardianship, what it means, and important alternatives to consider (like supported decision-making and power of attorney).

Guardianship can allow someone to make important medical, financial, or personal decisions on behalf of another person—but it can also limit independence, so it’s important to explore all options and choose what best supports the individual’s needs.

If you’re a caregiver, provider, or simply planning ahead, this is a great starting point to better understand your options and make informed decisions.

🔗 Check it out here: https://paautism.org/resource/guardianship-legal-resources/

05/27/2026

Every autism journey is unique—and for some families, it can include complex medical challenges. 💙

One SPARK family shares their experience navigating seizures, sleep issues, and heart-related conditions alongside an autism diagnosis—highlighting how important it is to look at the whole person, not just autism alone.

Their story is a powerful reminder that many autistic individuals may have co-occurring medical needs, and that ongoing research is critical to better understand and support these complexities. Through studies like SPARK, families are helping researchers learn more about autism, genetics, and the wide range of experiences across the lifespan.

✨ By participating in research, families are helping shape a future with better care, understanding, and support.

Read more about this family’s journey here:
https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/medical-complexities/