Austin, TX
After doctors left Dell Children’s adolescent clinic, Austin teens and their families are scrambling to find speciality care
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A lot of parents start to worry as their children approach puberty. Amy Hamand has been dreading it for far longer.
Hamand’s 14-year-old daughter has severe autism, and limited verbal communication skills. Early on, Hamand knew her daughter likely wouldn’t be able to safely manage getting her period, or the mood changes and other side effects from menstruation.
Before her daughter got her period, Hamand took her to Dell Children’s adolescent health clinic in Austin. It was one of the most reassuring doctor’s visits Hamand had been to in a long time.
“I was just like, ‘What are we going to do? How is this going to work? Are we going to just have a mess everywhere all the time?’” Hamand recalls. “And we left that appointment, like, ‘We can do this. We’ve got doctors that can help us.’”
After trying different options, Hamand and the doctors eventually settled on using hormonal birth control to suppress her daughter’s period.
“She doesn’t have to bleed every month … [or] have the up and down that comes with having a cycle,” Hamand said. “She doesn’t have to struggle through all this on top of all the other things she already struggles with.”
Hamand felt like she and the doctors at Dell Children’s adolescent clinic were on the same team. So she was shocked when she heard the doctors who had cared for her family for almost five years were suddenly no longer employed by Dell Children’s.
Dell Children’s confirmed that none of the doctors from the adolescent health clinic are still employed there but declined to comment further on why they left. Their abrupt departure came soon after Attorney General Ken Paxton announced he was investigating the clinic for providing gender-affirming care to trans teenagers.
Gender-affirming care is the recommended treatment for gender dysphoria, the distress someone can feel when their gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.The Texas Legislature recently passed a bill that would prohibit minors from receiving certain gender-affirming medical treatments, like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, but it has not become law yet. It is expected to go into effect in September.
Patients who were receiving gender-affirming care at Dell Children’s are scrambling to find new providers, with many looking outside Texas. But gender-affirming care was only a small part of what this clinic provided, patients say. The doctors were renowned for their treatment of eating disorders and mental health issues, which are skyrocketing among adolescents. They also treated a wide range of menstrual disorders and helped families like Hamand’s navigate adolescence for young people with developmental disabilities.
All those families are now desperately looking for new doctors for their vulnerable children.
“Puberty has been rough, really, really rough,” Hamand said. “And to find out we have to start from scratch with finding providers that can help us is just heartbreaking.
“We know why we’re making the decisions we did, and to have somebody saying that they know what’s best for my family is just infuriating.”
Eating disorders
For Emme Shade-Shell 12th birthday, she asked for a Kitchen-Aid stand mixer to support her favorite hobby — cooking. Then the pandemic hit, her classes went online, and she spent all day looking at herself on a Zoom screen and scrolling social media.
A year later, she turned 13 inside a residential treatment facility for eating disorders.
“It was like a cult had taken over my kid,” said her mom, Randi Shade. “I couldn’t get her to eat. It was the most horrible thing.”
Their pediatrician told Shade that she had to take Emme to see Dr. Maria Monge at Dell Children’s adolescent health clinic.
“When you have a child with an eating disorder, you have to have a psychiatrist, you have to have a therapist, a dietician,” Shade said. “It’s a whole team, but Dr. Monge was our quarterback.”
Monge treated a wide range of adolescent health needs, but her speciality was treating eating disorders, which surged among teenagers during the pandemic. Monge did not respond to a request for comment.
The first time Emme met with Monge, the 13-year-old was just out of a residential treatment facility in Plano and wary of doctors telling her what to do. Right away, she said, Monge struck a different tone.
“With a lot of the doctors, they don’t want to listen to anything you have to say,” Emme said. “But she was never like that. She always wanted to hear what I had to say. … She validated me, and I felt like she really understood me.”
Shade and the whole team, led by Monge, got Emme back on track. She’s cooking again and living a normal teenager’s life. Emme attributes that to Monge helping her tackle not just her medical needs, but her emotional needs as well.
When Shade learned about Monge leaving the clinic, she was struck with deep grief for all the families who were just beginning the terrifying journey she and her family have taken in the last year.
Dell Children’s sent her a “transition of care” list of doctors for various specialties. Under the entry for eating disorder care, though, she noticed there were no other providers listed.
“I just can’t believe Dell Children’s would have this incredible resource, and then, poof, it’s just gone,” she said.
She is working on finding another doctor whom Emme connects with. If Monge sets up shop somewhere else, she said they’d be first in line.
“I don’t know if she’ll read this story,” Emme said, “but I want her to know that she was really good. She changed and helped a lot of people. And I don’t know every single doctor in the United States that works with adolescents with eating disorders, but I know she has to be the best.”
Menstrual disorders
For many families in the Austin area, Monge and her team had the answers they didn’t even know they needed as they dealt with unexpected complications of puberty and adolescence.
Dolina Logan Faulk was nervous about her daughter getting her first period, because she’d had difficult experiences with menstruation herself. But almost immediately, her daughter’s period was unlike anything she’d ever seen.
“It was like a biblical plague,” Logan Faulk said. “I couldn’t believe there was that much fluid in her body, and it just wouldn’t stop.”
Her 11-year-old daughter bled constantly for weeks while their pediatrician tried everything to stop it. Eventually, they sent the family to Dell Children’s adolescent health clinic.
There was more than a monthlong wait list at the time, but when they finally got in to see Dr. Mai-Anh Tran Ngoc, the doctor walked into the room in Hello Kitty tennis shoes with a whiteboard in hand.
“She’s just a fantastic human being,” Logan Faulk said. “She just drew us pictures and talked us through all of it, and was just so lovely and dear during the whole thing.”
They got her daughter on an intense regimen of hormonal birth control to try to stop the bleeding while they figured out what was going on. Logan Faulk said she had the nurses on speed dial, and they were in constant communication with the doctor.
And most important, the whole staff made sure her daughter didn’t feel any stigma or shame about what was happening with her body. Eventually, her daughter was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder called Von Willebrand disease, and they were able to figure out a treatment plan.
“I don’t know where we would be right now without them,” Logan Faulk said. “If this happened when my daughter was bleeding for five months, and there were suddenly no doctors, it kind of makes me cry a little bit to even think about.”
The sudden shakeup has thrust many families into immediate crisis mode. Hamand can hear the ticking clock: Her daughter has four months of birth control on hand, and then she’ll need to have another provider lined up to renew the prescription.
Dell Children’s referred her to their adolescent gynecology department, but with so many families looking for new doctors, she’s already worried about the waitlist. And that’s not even taking into account the relationship she’d cultivated with Tran and the whole staff.
“She was just so amazing,” Hamand said. “It was just easy. One thing about this was easy.”
She’s still waiting for more answers from Dell Children’s about what exactly led to this upheaval. And she’s disappointed to see the way these political debates are impacting the lives of Texans.
“I always thought the part about being more right-leaning is that the government stays out of your business,” she said. “That’s not at all what we’re doing anymore. It’s very much like, I know what’s best for your child.”
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Austin, TX
Nearly 1 million people asked to avoid drive-thru lanes in Austin, Texas
Residents in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding metropolitan area were asked to avoid restaurant drive-thru lanes on Monday to avoid worsening ozone conditions in the area.
On Sunday afternoon, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) declared an Ozone Action Day for the Austin and San Antonio area on Monday. This includes the nearly 1 million residents living in Austin, according to recent census data.
“Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the San Antonio area on Monday,” said the air quality alert, which was shared on the National Weather Service (NWS) website.
“You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking or riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned,” the alert said.
Ozone season runs roughly from March to November in Texas, according to the TCEQ. Each day during that time, the TCEQ alerts residents if an Ozone Action Day is in place, which is when ozone levels are higher than normal and can have an impact on health. It’s possible another Ozone Action Day will be declared for Tuesday. If so, the alert will be issued by 3 p.m. local time on Monday.
Newsweek reached out to the TCEQ by email for comment.
Air quality changes depending on the time of day and weather conditions, the NWS said. However, some factors contribute to unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution, including “increased emissions of chemicals and faster ozone formation rates due to heat, along with low winds and stagnant weather.”
Hot weather has been occurring across the Austin area, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the NWS office in San Antonio/Austin.
“The broken record pattern of dry weather, warm to hot days and seasonally mild nights continues,” the office posted over the weekend.
AirNow, a coalition between the U.S. government and tribal agencies that monitors air quality, says members of sensitive groups may experience health effects when the air quality index is between 101 and 150. AirNow’s forecast shows that air quality is expected to reach that level across Austin on Monday. Tuesday’s forecast shows slight improvement, with a moderate AQI expected.
The air quality is considered moderate when the index measures between 51 and 100. Anything below 50 is considered good quality. Unhealthy levels are reached when the index is 150 to 200, very unhealthy is when levels are 201 to 300, and hazardous levels occur when the index is 301 or higher.
People can take certain actions to reduce emissions that worsen ozone, according to the TCEQ alert, including avoiding drive-thru lanes, as idling vehicles can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, conserving energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn can help prevent a worsening of the ozone readings.
Air quality also can be affected by pollution and wildfire smoke.
Austin, TX
15+ Must-Experience Fall Things to Do in Austin – My Curly Adventures
Finally, there’s a hold on that seemingly endless Texas heat, and fall in Austin is like a breath of fresh air. The slightly chilly fall evenings invite us to explore Austin’s outdoors. The sight of bright orange pumpkins and the aroma of seasonal beverages now fills the air. Whether you’re a long-time local or just visiting, fall in Austin is truly special, and there’s no shortage of exciting things to do.
From exploring scenic trails and picking pumpkins to enjoying live music and celebrating cultural festivals, Austin in the fall has it all. Join me as I share my favorite fall activities in Austin that you can’t miss!
Best Things to Do in Austin This Fall
Fall in Austin is a magical time when the city comes alive with vibrant fall foliage, fall festivals, and special events that celebrate the season. From outdoor adventures to cultural festivals, here’s your guide to the best Things to Do in Austin This Fall.
Stroll Along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
The cooler fall weather is the best time to explore the hiking and biking trails of Texas Hill Country, and Austin has plenty of them.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is Austin’s most popular recreational area, with more than 2.6 million visits annually. This 10-mile trail loops around Lady Bird Lake, offering stunning views of the city skyline, shaded pathways, and serene waterside spots. It is wide enough for leisurely walks, family strolls, runs, or bike rides. You’ll find convenient water fountains, restrooms, boat launches, and even a pedestrian- and cyclist-only bridge over Lady Bird Lake.
Get Wild at the Austin Zoo
Autumn is an ideal time to visit the Austin Zoo, where the cooler weather makes the animals more active and visible. Wander through the zoo’s natural habitats and get up close with lions, tigers, and bears, or feed sheep, deer, and llamas. Afterward, enjoy a picnic in Picnic Grove and stop by the gift shop for zoo-themed merchandise!
Be sure to catch the special fall-themed Boo at the Zoo event on Friday and Saturday nights. It runs throughout October from 5:45 PM to 9:00 PM. Dress up in your favorite costume, hop on a spooky train ride, explore a haunted mansion, and enjoy an exciting animal show.
Dive into Literature at the Texas Book Festival
The Texas Book Festival, held from November 16 to 17, 2024, is a free annual event. It transforms Austin into a literary wonderland for readers and writers alike. Held annually in the fall around the State Capitol in Downtown Austin, the event brings together the year’s most celebrated authors. It attracts over 40,000 readers from across the state.
Academy Award-winner and “Interstellar” star Matthew McConaughey will attend this year’s event. He will be celebrating the paperback release of his book, Greenlights. With author readings, panel discussions, a bustling book marketplace, and food vendors, this festival is a must-visit for anyone passionate about the written word.
Pick Pumpkins at Sweet Berry Farm
A fall outing isn’t complete without a trip to pumpkin patches. Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, located just an hour northwest of downtown Austin, is one of the best in Texas. Celebrating the fall season from September 21 to November 3, 2024, this 152-acre Strawberry and Pumpkin Patch is the biggest and oldest in Central Texas.
Here, you can pick and paint your own pumpkins, enjoy a hay ride and scarecrow stuffing, and navigate through Texas, Candycorn, and Barnyard mazes. The Sweet Berry Express Barrel Train and weekly Pony Rides offer fun for the little ones. The farm’s seasonal activities and festive decorations make it a perfect autumn outing for the whole family.
Enjoy a Day at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm goes all out for fall with its 2024 Central Texas Fall Festival from September 21 to November 8, 2024. With tons of activities to keep your little ones engaged and active, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Austin this fall with your family.
While you pick your perfect pumpkin, let your kids enjoy unlimited pony rides and explore a giant 2-acre petting zoo. They can cheer on pig races, play in a safari-themed corn maze, and be creative with face painting. There’s also plenty of excitement with exotic animal feeding, giant slides, rope swings, Wall Ball, Treasure Mountain, the Swing Line, wagon rides, and delicious food from food trucks! There’s even a bakery on site that specializes in made-to-order birthday cakes, pies, donuts, & more.
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Rock Out at the Austin City Limits Music Festival
One of the most iconic music festivals in the country, the Austin City Limits Music Festival brings top-tier performers to Zilker Park every fall, where you can enjoy over 100 unforgettable performances across 9 stages.
This iconic festival spans two weekends, offering an enticing selection of local food, drinks, and sweets from Austin’s most beloved vendors.
Wander Through Pumpkin Nights Austin
Pumpkin Nights Austin is a spectacular display of illuminated pumpkin sculptures and themed installations. Walking through the half-mile magical pumpkin pathways, you’ll be amazed by the creativity and artistry on display. Held from September 19th to October 31st, 2024, at Pioneer Farms, it’s one of the best Halloween events in Austin this fall.
With thrilling fire shows, live pumpkin artists, delicious food, and fall-themed drinks, you can even plan a fall date night at this event.
Brave the House of Torment
With 1,265+ 5-star Google Reviews and recognized as the Scariest Haunted House in America by Travel Channel, the perfect destination is a perfect destination for horror fans in Austin. This immersive haunted house features terrifyingly realistic sets, live actors, and spine-chilling special effects, leaving you screaming for rescue.
Feeling competitive? Test your skills with axe throwing at 5 throws for 5 AXE onsite! Compete with friends, aim for that bullseye, and claim victory. And for brave souls aged 21 and over, a pop-up bar, Neon Coffin, with themed cocktails, is perfect to refuel for another episode of Fright. Escape into this hidden oasis within the House of Torment, enjoy a refreshing shot, and capture the moment with three exclusive photo ops before diving back into the madness.
Explore the Supernatural with Austin Ghost Tours
Explore Austin’s haunted history with Austin Ghost Tours, the oldest and most authentic Austin-based ghost tour company. These guided tours take you to three of the city’s most haunted spots, where you’ll hear spine-tingling original and thoroughly researched stories of ghosts, spirits, and unexplained phenomena. It’s a thrilling way to experience the darker side of Austin.
For a more private experience, Haunted ATX offers private hearse limo tours to Austin’s haunted and paranormal locations, including the Tavern, Clay Pit, Littlefield House, and more. If you are interested in something “based on true events,” the annual Murder, Mayhem & Misadventure Walking Tour at Oakwood Cemetery on October 26, 2024, is a must-attend. Enjoy free admission and gain insights into the tragic endings of some of the region’s well-known inhabitants as they are brought to life by actors at their real burial sites.
Witness the Bat Emergence at Congress Avenue Bridge
One of Austin’s most unique natural phenomena is the nightly bat emergence at the Congress Avenue Bridge. As the sun sets, over a million Mexican free-tailed bats take to the sky in a breathtaking display. Fall is one of the best times to witness this spectacle, as the cooler temperatures encourage more activity.
Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of hiking and biking trails, rock climbing spots, and swimming holes. In the fall, the Greenbelt’s lush foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, making it perfect for a scenic hike. Spanning over 12 miles, this greenbelt features numerous trails, including Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls, and a local favorite, the Hill of Life trail. The trail winds through South Austin and leads to the famous swimming hole, Gus Fruh. It’s an ideal spot to visit if you’re in Austin during the summer.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is also a great spot for birdwatching, especially during the fall when migratory birds visit. Keep an eye out for warblers, vireos, and native wildlife like deer, foxes, and reptiles.
Connect with Nature at McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is a beautiful destination for a fall day trip. Hike along the park’s trails, explore the historic homestead, and enjoy a picnic by the cascading waterfalls. With nearly nine miles of trails to hike or bike, including the stroller and road bike-friendly 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail, this green oasis is the perfect place to admire Austin’s great outdoors.
After a day of adventure, you can choose from 81 campsites, all equipped with water and electric hookups, to extend your stay. Alternatively, opt for one of the newly remodeled cabins for a Texas glamping experience amidst the backdrop of fall foliage.
Celebrate at the Pecan Street Festival
The Pecan Street Festival is one of Austin’s oldest traditions, held biannually in the city’s historic Sixth Street district. Taking place the first Saturday & Sunday in May and the last Saturday & Sunday in September (September 14th-15th, 2024). It attracts hundreds of local and national artisans, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy live music, delicious food from local vendors, a petting zoo, kid’s rides, and more.
You can enjoy some retail therapy by exploring an array of locally crafted art in various mediums. These range from metal, fiber, leather, glass, wood, clay, and stone to unique creations made from repurposed materials.
Discover the Beauty of Waterloo Greenway
Waterloo Greenway is a newly developed urban park along Waller Creek. The park’s scenic trails and interactive art installations offer quite a view. However, the highlight of this holiday season will be the 10-year celebratory creek show exhibition from November 8 to 16.
A variety of fall events, including Glow in the Park 2024 and Workout at Waterloo, will also add to the festivities.
Festivities at Uhland Fall Fest
Uhland Fall Fest, formerly known as the Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival, offers five weekends of fall fun. This event runs from September 28 to October 27, 2024. The event will be held at a historic 15-acre farmstead, located 25 miles south of Austin. It will feature over 50 fall-inspired games, fun zones, a Trading Post, and a Pumpkin Patch showcasing more than 30 colorful gourd species.
In addition, 30 talented American roots performers will entertain the crowd. An artisan market and a delightful array of seasonal foods and beverages will be available for both children and adults.
Experience Día de los Muertos Austin
Celebrate the vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos at the annual Austin festival. The festivities in the heart of Downtown Austin begins in late October and run through early November. They kick off with a lively parade marching west on Sixth Street, ending with a vibrant celebration at the festival grounds at Fourth Street and Congress Avenue. This event features colorful altars, live music, traditional dances, and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Don’t miss out on the 41st annual Viva la Vida celebration on October 26 at the Mexic-Arte Museum. It’s a cultural experience that brings the community together to honor loved ones who have passed.
Enjoy a Meal at Scholz Garten
Scholz Garten is one of Austin’s oldest and most beloved beer gardens. This fall, enjoy a meal in their outdoor seating area, where you can savor traditional German fare and local brews amidst a festive, autumnal atmosphere.
Unwind at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden is a popular spot for relaxing with friends and family. This South Asian eatery features specialty coffee, locally brewed beer, craft cocktails, food trucks, and live music. Their spacious outdoor garden, with cozy fire pits and native plants, is especially inviting in the fall.
Enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee paired with cosmic or breakfast tacos. Or, you can relax with a craft beer while soaking in the cool, crisp air.
Other Things To Do in Texas This Fall
Looking to expand your fall adventure beyond San Antonio? Texas has so much more to offer!
Don’t miss out on the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, where you can enjoy mouthwatering fried treats, thrilling rides, and live entertainment. For a taste of German culture, head to Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, where you’ll find delicious sausages, refreshing beer, and lively music. If you’re a nature lover, Big Bend National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, perfect for hiking and stargazing.
Read More: Top Fall Activities You Can’t Miss in Texas
Fall Things To Do in Austin: FAQs
What is fall like in Austin, Texas?
Fall in Austin, Texas, is a delightful season marked by cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and various outdoor activities and festivals. The daily minimum temperatures experience a significant drop of 26°F, declining from a relatively warm 74°F to a cooler 48°F. It is uncommon for the temperatures to dip below 35°F or rise above 78°F.
This is the best time of year to enjoy Austin’s pleasant weather and explore the outdoors. You can also partake in fall-themed events in and around the city limits.
Does Austin have fall foliage?
Yes, Austin has fall foliage! While not as dramatic as in some regions, Austin still offers beautiful autumn colors. You can enjoy the fall scenery at places like McKinney Falls State Park.
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Fall Things To Do in Austin: Final Thoughts
In Austin, fall is more than just a season—a feeling, a time to come together and celebrate all the cozy, wonderful things that autumn brings. My recent autumn weekend in this vibrant city was filled with many special moments I can’t help but share. Whether strolling along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, picking pumpkins at Sweet Berry Farm, or the spooky adventures of the House of Torment, each experience in Austin this fall is truly one of a kind. Long story short, it’s not a bad idea to “fall” in Austin this year.
Last Updated 5 mins ago by Jessica Serna | Published: September 29, 2024
Austin, TX
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