Kochel Lab for Clinical Autism Research at BCM

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/

05/25/2026

The Color of Autism Foundation is hosting its highly-regarded Caregiver Training next month!

Register here: https://bit.ly/48noIUe
👉 Every Saturday, starting May 2nd to May 30th
👉 11am-12:30pm EST

*Please note - you must attend all 5 weeks (5 Saturdays, 90-minutes each) to earn a completion certificate.

05/22/2026

Building Futures: Transition Success for Autistic Young Adults

Presented by Sophie Benitez, Mary Morningstar PhD, & Ann K. Rogers PhD, NCSP

Wednesday, June 17th
9:00 a.m. PT (12:00 p.m. ET)
Free | 90 minutes
1.5 credits available for purchase*

This panel webinar will cover when to start transition planning for adolescents with autism, assessment tools to utilize, challenges facing families and schools, federal requirements, and community resources. An autistic self-advocate will provide perspective on effective supports in preparing for independent adulthood.

05/20/2026

Every family’s autism journey is unique—and research plays an important role along the way. 💙

Through SPARK for Autism, families can join a growing community working together to better understand autism and improve lives. By sharing information and participating in research, families are helping scientists learn more about autism and shape future supports, services, and discoveries.

Participation is flexible, can often be done from home, and helps ensure that research reflects the real experiences of autistic individuals and their families.

✨ Your story matters. Your participation can make a difference.

Learn more about the autism research journey here: https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/autism-research-journey/

05/18/2026

A new month - a new webinar on deck!

Join us—
What Do Families Really Need? Insights from Community Work with Autism Families
When: Wednesday, May 20th — 12:00pm EST
Register to join via Zoom: https://bit.ly/4ext27g
RSVP to join via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cfgs95X7t/