The Little Longhorn Lab

At Little Longhorn Lab, our mission is to empower families by providing innovative, research-based parent-mediated interventions designed to support young children with or with a high likelihood for language delays or autism. We equip parents and caregivers with the tools needed to create rich language-learning environments in everyday interactions. Our approach emphasizes the critical role of caregivers as a child’s first and most influential teachers. Our goal is to not only enhance children’s communication abilities but also to strengthen family connections and empower caregivers to be active, informed participants in their child’s developmental journey.

Research funding often creates barriers to translating our findings into widespread, intervention practices. To bridge this gap, we are actively fundraising to support our lab’s efforts in transforming cutting-edge research into accessible, evidence-based interventions. Our free, accessible coaching provides families with practical tools to reduce stress, build confidence, and strengthen connections with their children. Parents of autistic children often face high levels of stress, anxiety, and isolation. Our program helps families navigate these challenges by fostering positive interactions that lay the foundation for language growth, skill development, and overall family well-being.

"This has been a wonderful experience. I wish that all parents had access to this training, regardless of their child's abilities."

– Parent Participant, Little Longhorn Lab Research Study

By supporting the Little Longhorn Lab, you are investing in the future of education, child development, and family support. Your gift during 40 Hours for the Forty Acres will help us train the next generation of educators and clinicians, expand our reach, and ensure that every child has access to the best evidence-based interventions.

• $25 provides a family with a personalized intervention session, offering practical tools to strengthen families
• $50 funds a training session for 20 early interventionists and student trainees—helping expand our impact across Texas and closing the research to practice gap, allowing more children to benefit from evidence-based practices
• $100 provides language-support toy kits for up to 5 families. Toy kits help ensure all families have access to language-rich materials to support their child’s communication and language development
• $500 gifts a family the recommended three months of personalized intervention sessions, providing actionable strategies to support their child’s communication growth