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

Visual Supports

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.

Athletics - OU Athletics Picture Cards
Useful Spots - Useful Spots Picture Cards
Oakland Center - In the Oakland Center Picture Cards
Campus Signs - OU Signs
Campus Statues - Statues
Transportation - Transportation

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

Help Needed And Services Offered

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

Caregiver Needed for a Loving Family
We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated caregiver to join our family in caring for our 5-year-old son Luka, who has medical needs and attends Wing Lake Developmental Center year-round. He weighs 31 lbs and requires lifting, so physical capability is necessary. Ideal Candidate:
◦ Thoughtful, patient, and committed to long-term caregiving
◦ Willing to become a valued part of our family
◦ CPR certified
◦ Able to provide a resume
Details:
◦ Training provided
◦ Competitive pay
◦ Schedule: 2-3 weekdays and one weekend shift (4-8 hours per shift)

If you're interested, please reach out with your resume. We look forward to meeting you! Sarah Kupczyk [email protected] (Posted 9/17/2025)

Caregiver Needed
Seeking a caregiver for our 4 year old daughter. She is nonverbal autistic and currently attends special education preschool, speech therapy, OT and ABA during the week. She is super sweet, easy going, curious and fun. We also have a 6 year old son who will be home and you may be responsible for him as well but our daughter would be your main focus.

Responsibilities:

- help support her current developmental goals

- engage with her in preferred activities

- work on number, color and letter recognition

Qualifications:

- must be comfortable working with children while the parents are home or out

- outgoing, patient and reliable

- experiences working with children with speech delays is preferred

Hours and location:

Lake Orion near Lapeer and Silver Bell

2-4 hours on Saturdays and/or Sundays

Please email [email protected] if interested in applying. (Posted 9/18/25)

After School Support Needed
We are a family in Birmingham looking for someone to help with our three kids after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Additional hours available for the right candidate! We have a bright, mature, and responsible 11 year-old daughter who is in 6th grade (typically developing with mild ADHD), and energetic, inquisitive 8 year-old twin boys in 3rd grade who both have ADHD/Level 1 ASD diagnoses. Excellent opportunity for hands-on experience for students in related fields!

Help to our family looks like:

- knowledge of ADHD/ASD; experience preferred

- helping with school pick-up(s)/driving to or from after school activities

- supporting after-school routine, dinner, bed-time, etc...

- willingness to be trained in specific intervention strategies

- assistance with household chores

- reliable transportation and clean driving record; comfortable with driving children

Must be patient, flexible, and willing to learn along with us!

M, W, F Hours: 3pm - 8pm (approx.)

Additional T, Th, or weekend hours negotiable/flexible

We offer competitive pay, and are a very fun, caring, and easy-going family! Contact Sara at [email protected] or call/text (248) 390-1552 for more information (Posted 10/14/25)

Respite / CLS Worker Needed

We are seeking a compassionate and reliable individual to provide respite care and/or CLS for a 2-year-old child with developmental delays/disabilities. The role involves offering safe, nurturing care while giving the family a break. Responsibilities are to supervise and engage the child in age-appropriate activities, ensure safety and comfort at all times, assist with basic needs (feedings, diapering, play), follow any care instructions provided by the family, and engage in communication goals to help the child learn to communicate more effectively than engaging with hitting his head with his hand when not wanting to do something.

We are looking for morning-afternoon care during the week. We are looking for 15-20 hours a week located in Auburn Hills area close to UWM.

Minimal qualifications:

At least 18 years of age
Able to communicate expressively and receptively in order to follow individual plan requirements and participant-specific emergency procedures, and report on activities performed
In good standing with the law
Able to perform basic first aid procedures
Valid driver’s license and insurance with reliable transportation
Identify and understand social queues in a group setting
Patience and resilience

The follow certificates are required. Training are provided from the Arc of Oakland County.

CPR/First Aid
Recipient Rights
Blood borne pathogens or Infectious Disease Control
Environmental Emergency Preparedness

Background checks are required when getting hired in.

This position gives a great opportunity to work on interpersonal skills and health care experience, social work experience, and education.

If interested please contact Care Coordinator with a resume and a cover letter to [email protected] (Posted 12/1/25)

Experienced Respite Caregiver Needed

Location: Holly, Oakland County, MI

Pay Rate $25/hr. Hours 12 to 14 hrs. per week

Mother of Special Needs 20 yr. old, assisting Pro Care Unlimited agency in finding staff for my young man with Intellectual disabilities/Autism.

Schedule: (During School year) Monday 3pm to 7pm (days off and/or breaks during school year 1pm to 5pm)

Friday 3pm to 7pm (days off and/or breaks during school year 1pm to 5pm)

Saturday 5pm to 9pm (Monday & Friday hours increase in the summer to 5 hour shifts if he isn't in camp)

Looking for "1" Caregiver that is "flexible" on these days to school and summer schedules change) Also a "Team Player" who will cover shifts if needed as I have a CLS Caregiver who at times may get sick, etc. Picking up extras can happen. This is a year round position

Requirements:

Must Be 18 yrs or older

Current and Valid driver’s license required

Reliable transportation is necessary

Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED/FIRST Aid Certification

New Hire Recipient Rights/ TB testing/ DHS background checks

MAT (Medication Aide Training)

Training courses are mandatory and free to those hired

Required Skills:

-Excellent (110%) Work Ethic (Structure & routine is imperative)

-Provide assistance, companionship and comfort.

-Must love the outdoors, fishing, gaming, board games, meals out in the community, basketball, swimming, hiking, and activities with his friends. (High Energy/Loves to be Social and in Social Settings)

-You will assist him in reaching his independent living skills goals in the home and community settings. This includes but not limited to: interpersonal communication skills (Peer to Peer relationships), emotion regulation, safety skills, and organizing and planning ahead with transitions/time management.

FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT: Marisa Springstead (248) 820.9677

Please submit your resume to: [email protected] for consideration

Subject Line: Holly Position (Posted 12/2/2025)

Respite Worker Needed
We are looking for a Respite and/or Community Living Services caretaker for our 4 year old son. Care provider must be (or willing-to-be) certified through Medicaid (Would be hired through ‘Arc of Oakland’).

Our son has Phelan McDermid Syndrome, with a severe intellectual disability, and limited fine and gross motor skills. Niko is able to walk in a limited capacity, and we are working on walking up stairs- but we would need someone physically able to lift him (around 40 lbs) in and out of his chair to eat, and up and down the stairs.

Looking for 5-8pm on 1-3 weekdays and 6-8 hours(timing flexible) on Sat/Sun. (would also have additional hours available as well if interested)!

Would love to discuss more if anyone who is seriously interested. We are located in Rochester Hills. Email [email protected] (Posted 12/11/2025)

OU CARES Autism Resources Information

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]