Dan L Duncan Children's Neurodevelopmental Clinic | | Welcome to the first edition of the Duncan Clinic newsletter, a publication of the UTHealth Dan L Duncan Children's Neurodevelopmental Clinic at the Children's Learning Institute. This newsletter provides updates, resources, and evidence-based information to support the developmental, educational, and emotional well-being of children and families. | | Meet the Duncan Clinic Staff | | |
Our multidisciplinary clinic team includes physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, and licensed clinical social workers.
Pictured clinic staff are listed left to right within each row.
Back row: Vaishali Tirumalaraju, Stephanie Tower, Kimberly Ellison, Ashley Dauenhauer, Gabriel Anzueto, Michael Assel, Katherine Pope, Sarah Wilson
Middle row: Fiorella Izaguirre, Marvin Thomas Jr, Kimberly Briseno, Sarah Abercrombie, Linda Solamen
Front row: Cheryl Hawkins, Keneshia Ray, Blanca Granados, Grisell Medina
(Not shown: Jessica Mercado Alvarez, Paige Weir and Mary Prasad)
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Upcoming Events
Autism Moms of Houston
Spooktacular Sensory Extravaganza – Halloween Edition
📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center: 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston
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Free ABA-based Parent Training!
The mission of the Connecting the Dots (CTD) program is to provide evidence-based services to individuals ages 2-18 years old through 6-8 week sessions. Using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), CTD provides caregiver training and individualized intervention strategies for children.
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Sensory Friendly Day | Children's Museum Houston
Enjoy a sensory-friendly visit to the Children's Museum in a calmer atmosphere with adjusted lighting and lower sound levels. Explore the Museum in your own terms: from interactive exhibits to hands-on activities.
📅 Monday, October 19, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍Children's Museum: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
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Houston Museum of Natural Science Sensory Friendly Events
Individuals with disabilities and their families will receive free admission to the Permanent Exhibit halls for Sensory Friendly Events at HMNS!
📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
📅 Monday, December 7, 2026: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
📍Children's Museum: 5555 Hermann Park Dr Houston, TX 77030
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| Watch for our upcoming parenting groups! | |
Latest Clinic News
Meet our newest Medical Assistant
Welcome Jessica Mercado Alvarez!
| | | | "I am a Colorado Native and I just moved to the Houston area April 2026. I have been an MA for 6 ½ years now and graduated from Pima Medical Institute-Denver. I have worked in family medicine, pediatrics, primary care for adults with IDD and now pediatric Neurodevelopmental specialty." | | | School Ready: Leave the Screens and Set Routines | | |
Learn how different types of screen use can influence development, when technology can support learning, and ways to rebuild routines, strengthen attention, and encourage meaningful learning experiences as children are returning to class in this CLI webinar! Watch the recording.
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Back to School Tips
Back-to-school season can be exciting and challenging for children and caregivers alike, and the following strategies offer simple ways to support smoother transitions, reduce stress, and encourage positive habits.
| | Front Loading:
Setting The Stage | |
Front loading is a proactive strategy that provides children with information, expectations, or skills before they encounter a situation, task, or learning experience.
Example of a Front Load conversation with your child: "Before leaving for school, we get dressed, eat breakfast, and make sure we have everything we need, like our backpack, lunch, and homework. Being prepared helps us start the day successfully."
| | Visual Schedules:
A Map For The Day | |
Visual schedules use objects, drawings, pictures, photos, symbols, or written words to show a child what is happening now, what comes next, and what their day looks like.
These simple supports can make transitions smoother, reduce anxiety, and help children feel safe and confident as they move through their day.
| | Reward Charts:
Small Wins, Seen | |
Reward charts allow you to use positive reinforcement to help children understand expectations, track progress, and transition smoothly through daily routines.
Consider your child's unique interests and preferences so that the rewards are meaning and motivating to them!
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Resources
The Autism Partnership Foundation (APF) offers free educational programs for caregivers with Autistic children. There are currently 32 online courses that range from 10-60 minutes and cover everything from diagnosis to special education, toilet training, picky eating and social skills!
Check out these free printable Social Stories. These are short, descriptive narratives that help individuals, especially those with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, or other social challenges, better understand social situations, expectations, behaviors, and emotions by providing clear, predictable, and supportive guidance.
Care Connect | Mental Health America of Greater Houston helps you find a therapist in Houston that takes your insurance, including Medicaid. You can search for specific things you're looking for in a therapist and you may be able to qualify for 6 free sessions.
Subscribe to the Texas Children's Hospital Meyer Clinic Newsletter! It offers free Positive Parenting Classes (next one is October 10th), educational opportunities, support groups, and social activities for children and families with developmental differences.
| | Note: External resources are shared as a courtesy for families seeking additional support. Inclusion does not imply endorsement, and we do not control the content, services, or opinions of external organizations. | | Schedule or inquire about an appointment by calling 713-500-8300. | | | | |
