![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Train-Hunters-Club-Autism.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Melissa Enaje\/Houston Public Media<\/p>\n
Some unique programs family members are relying on for support include the Train Hunters Club in Fort Bend County. Brian Gaughler started the Train Hunters Club earlier this year after realizing his grandson Ezra had a growing passion for trains. <\/p>\n
In the city of Rosenberg about 30 miles west of Houston, a small group of families gathers in the parking lot next to a railroad museum<\/a>. Their kids are part of the Train Hunters Club<\/a> and, during one Saturday afternoon in April, they’re on the hunt. <\/p>\n Brian Gaughler started the club earlier this year after realizing his grandson, Ezra, had a growing obsession with trains. Ezra is on the autism spectrum.<\/p>\n Sign up for the Hello, Houston!<\/a> daily newsletter to get local reports like this delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n “A train! Another one! \u2026 Look!” Ezra said.<\/p>\n Gaughler decided to use Ezra’s curiosity not only as a way that they could bond, but also as a way to support Ezra’s confidence.<\/p>\n Click here for more inDepth features.<\/a><\/p>\n “Some of these kids are on the autism spectrum,” Gaughler said. “Their social ways are a little different and so somehow this helps bring them together.”<\/p>\n Being passionate about trains is common for autistic individuals, according to some health experts. The repetitiveness of the process, the sound of the train cars, the anticipation of seeing a train coming, it’s predictable and provides a sense of control.<\/p>\n Zakiyy Inshanally celebrated his son Omar’s 11th birthday with colorful cupcakes and pizza. They joined the Train Hunters Club after Inshanally met Gaughler at the railroad museum a couple months ago. <\/p>\n Melissa Enaje\/Houston Public Media<\/p>\n The Train Hunters Club birthday party celebrated some of the young train enthusiasts\u2019 birthdays.<\/p>\n “Every Saturday and Sunday whether it’s 90 degrees outside or negative-9 degrees, whether it’s raining or sunny,” Inshanally said, “we’re here.”<\/p>\n Inshanally says Omar has signs of autism and the Train Hunters Club is a safe space for Omar to just be himself. <\/p>\n \u201cI love trains,” Omar said. “The horn, the \u2026 rumble and the bell.”<\/p>\n Inshanally says it’s more than just a club.<\/p>\n “When he sees that I’m doing this for him, his love for me also increases,” Inshanally said. “I see it. He was telling me sometimes, \u2018Thank you daddy for taking me to Rosenberg. I know you’re tired but thank you for taking me,’ and that means the world.” <\/p>\n Growing with autism<\/strong><\/p>\n As kids on the autism spectrum grow older and go on to high school, their needs change and support systems shift beyond just their parents. <\/p>\n More than an hour away from Rosenberg is a vocational clinic at the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Center for Autism and Development Disabilities<\/a>. The clinic partners with Clear Lake High School for programs that help special needs students find jobs. <\/p>\n During an Autism Awareness Day event in April, high schoolers displayed their skills and talents. Some were in charge of the art or dance competitions. In a private room, clinicians offered free autism screenings for families<\/a>.<\/p>\n High school student Hayden Trigg greeted people at the door and talked about what he wants to do after high school.<\/p>\n “I want to become a supercar salesman,” he said. “Lamborghinis, Ferraris, stuff like that. That’s what I want to do for my dream job.” <\/p>\n Clear Lake High School Special Education Teacher<\/a> Meghana Yelluru said more job sites should be open to train students with disabilities before resources run out for them once they graduate. <\/p>\n “Teach them these job skills while they’re in school,” Yelluru said, “because you have teachers, you have para supports always coming with you to help them learn the job before they even get out into the community after graduation.”<\/p>\n Loukia Tsami is a research associate at the UH-Clear Lake autism center. She said without opportunities for autistic young adults to participate<\/a> in their local community, they could end up being excluded.<\/p>\n “It’s not only a job to make money,” Tsami said. “It’s the only opportunity some of the adults that we have, this is the only time they get out of their house.”<\/p>\n Ongoing needs<\/strong><\/p>\n But not everyone with autism can leave their homes on their own or function without a caregiver. Severe forms of autism can include individuals who have an intellectual disability or those who could harm themselves. A 2025 survey by the National Council on Severe Autism found nearly three out of four autistic young adults with significant support needs \u2014 especially those just out of high school \u2014 continue living at home.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Train-Hunters-Club-Birthday-Party.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n