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Community Support

OUCARES proudly supports thousands of people impacted by autism as well as the broader community. These community supports include:

    • Free downloadable visual supports to improve the ways people with autism and other challenges can access Oakland University.
    • Help Needed and Services Offered
    • External Autism Resources

 

OUCARES is proud to share free resources with the community to help individuals and their families better access Oakland University. The links below include picture cards specific to campus.

Funding to create these resources was generously provided by an Oakland University Women and Philanthropy Grant.

If you are looking for specific services for an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder or their family, you can post it here. If you are a service provider or have special skills that you would like to share with someone in the autism community that can be posted here as well.

Contact us if you are interested in posting an ad whether you are looking for a babysitter, a therapist, a parent to talk to or for someone who may be interested in your services.

Please note that Oakland University is not responsible for nor are we recommending those who may respond to your ad. We are simply providing an avenue for families to find the assistance they need and for professionals to promote their services.

SERVICES OFFERED

Autastic Athletics - Tennis Program

Groups are forming now in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne and Genesee counties: for autistic athletes, by autistic athletes! Our coach has over 15 years of experience working with his fellow autistic individuals, and is a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association! He also has been playing competitive tennis his whole life, and was the first autistic person to serve on the board for Autism Society of Michigan. Please email [email protected] or call (248)224-4151 for more information. (Posted 4/12/21)

Autism Support Design 24-7

Individualized, designed programs for adults and teens on the Spectrum to learn skills to achieve the best adult outcomes, are available to the ASD Community. Our programs are designed by a parent/educator with an M.E. in Special Ed-Autism Endorsement, who has a proven track record in helping people on the Spectrum be the best they can be, and are implemented by her son, a life coach on the Spectrum. This mother and son team have already helped multiple clients improve their skill sets in Life as well as become more in tune with their needs and their strengths as adults on the Spectrum. For more information please contact Doreen Ackner at [email protected] or at (248)219-0457 (Posted 10/13/20)

Sheila Dryer –  Teacher with MAT in Autism and MAT in Reading 

With over 25 years of experience in teaching, I offer personalized support for individuals with autism and their families. My services are designed to foster growth, confidence, and independence in every stage of development.
My Services Include: 
Tutoring – Customized academic support tailored to each learner’s strengths and needs
Mentoring – One-on-one guidance to build self-esteem, communication, and social skills
Life Skills Coaching – Practical support for daily living, organization, and independence
Behavioral Support – Positive, evidence-based approaches for managing challenges

Whether your child needs extra help in school or a steady hand to guide everyday learning, I’m here to help.

Contact Info
Phone: 248-804-9920
Email: [email protected]

HELP NEEDED

CLS Worker Needed
A family in Novi, Michigan is seeking CLS services for their 13-year-old son, who has an Autism diagnosis and often wakes during the night needing support. The family is looking for overnight staff to assist him with bathroom needs and getting cleaned up when he wakes. All staff will complete training through the agency chosen by the family. Any staff interested can reach out to the care coordinator: Melissa Blouin at [email protected] 947-226-8095 for more information. (Posted 2/11/2026)

CLS Worker Needed
A family in Southfield, Michigan is seeking CLS services for their 10-year-old son with an Autism diagnosis. The family is requesting morning support to assist with getting him dressed and ready for the day, as well as transportation to his nearby ABA provider. All services will be provided through CLS support, and required training will be completed through the agency chosen by the child’s mother. The agency will also discuss wages with interested staff.  Any staff interested can reach out to the care coordinator: Melissa Blouin at [email protected] 947-226-8095 for more information. (Posted 2/11/2026)

Respite / CLS Worker Needed
A foster family in Lathrup Village, Michigan is seeking respite and CLS staff to support two foster sons with Autism diagnoses. Both individuals have CLS goals that require ongoing support. One youth is 17 years old and the other is 13 years old. All services will be provided through CLS support, and required training will be completed through the agency chosen by the children’s mother. The agency will also discuss wages with interested staff. Any staff interested can reach out to the care coordinator: Melissa Blouin at [email protected] 947-226-8095 for more information. (Posted 2/11/2026)

Babysitter / Nanny Needed
Our family is in need of a part-time babysitter/nanny who can help out with our 6 year old daughter. She is kind, energetic, and very sweet. We’re looking for someone kind, patient, flexible, and reliable, who will have consistent availability on a long-term basis. We need someone who is available weekday evenings and possibly some weekend hours. We’re located about 10 minutes south of Oakland University. We will offer competitive pay.

The ideal candidate has or is pursuing a degree in counseling, occupational therapy, or a related field, with experience caring for children who are neurodivergent, with ADHD or ASD. It would be especially helpful if you’re familiar with how symptoms present in girls. If you're interested, please share your resume, a little bit about yourself, and please also share your availability. Please contact [email protected] if you're interested. Thank you! (Posted 3/25/2026)

Opportunity to work as a shadow with special needs student
I am currently seeking to hire a dedicated and compassionate individual to serve as a one-on-one shadow for a preschool-aged child with attention challenges. This role would involve providing consistent supervision and support throughout the day to help the child remain engaged, safe, and successful in a learning environment.

The child is a sweet, happy little boy who thrives with individualized attention and guidance. Due to his attention difficulties, he benefits greatly from having someone nearby to gently redirect him, assist with transitions, and help him stay focused on activities.

This position is especially well-suited for someone with a background or strong interest in special education, early childhood development, or a related field. It offers valuable hands-on experience working closely with a young child who can truly benefit from patient, attentive support. We are looking for someone who is kind, reliable, and enthusiastic about helping children grow and succeed. If you are passionate about working in special education and making a meaningful difference in a child’s daily life, this could be a very rewarding opportunity.

For more information please email [email protected] or call (248) 762-8018 (Posted 3/26/2026)

 

 

The information and links on the document below are provided as a resource. Oakland University is in no way responsible for the services or information provided by these links. We would, however, be interested in your feedback on the service providers or any of the informational sites. If you have had a negative or positive experience, please e-mail [email protected] with your comments and we will keep them in mind as future information is posted.

Autism Resources

Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach

Pawley Hall, Room 381
456 Pioneer Dr.
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2424
[email protected]