Kochel Lab Community Partners

The Houston Museum of Natural History is dedicated to creating and implementing innovative exhibitions and programs that address the interests and needs of our community. This includes accommodations for individuals with different sensory needs and sensitivities. We are proud to partner with HMNS in bringing awareness to both the museum's sensory friendly programming and our research opportunities for families affected by autism.

We Rock the Spectrum is dedicated to providing a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. Located in Houston/Memorial, Sugarland and the Woodlands, their facilities include play equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. We are proud to partner with We Rock the Spectrum in convening families to share helpful information and resources in a fun and safe atmosphere.

Trumpet Behavioral Health is a nation-wide ABA group based in Lakewood, Colorado along with several locations across Houston and beyond. Trumpet works with children with autism and other developmental disorders to provide them with the tools to become happy and productive members of their families, communities, and the world. In 2019, the Kochel Lab partnered with Trumpet to host free, educational webinars that highlight both behavioral services and research opportunities for our respective community members.

Founded in 2002, Friends For Life Animal Shelter is a leading resource center for saving animals—regardless of their breed, age, or condition—through their no-kill shelter model. They offer behavioral support programs and trainings for families to help them care for the pets they love. Like us, they use data to track their progress and make decisions using evidence-based practices. Our research team has partnered with Friends For Life to encourage families to “be a pal” in supporting research while also connecting them to a trusted source for information about service and emotional-support animals for individuals with special needs.