- OUCARES
- Programs and Camps
Oakland University Center for Autism
425C Pawley Hall
2200 N. Squirrel Road
Rochester,
MI
48309-4401
(location map)
(248) 370-2424
oucares@oakland.edu
Programs and Camps
Programs
Oakland University’s highest priority in providing exemplary academic, athletic and social programs for youth is protecting the health, safety and welfare of all participants. To achieve this critically important goal, carefully screened and highly trained personnel enforce protocols designed to ensure safe conduct and supportive interaction between youth and program leaders. Learn more about OU's youth protection efforts.
OUCARES has been working hard to plan and prepare for in-person programs that allow for a safe and healthy environment for our participants with autism, their families, and our staff. Please review OUCARES' statement with further details on how we plan to maintain health and safety during our programs.
BASIC SOCIAL SKILLS
This program is designed to teach social skills in a purposeful, small group setting. Activities will include skill-based lessons, interactive practice of new skills, role playing, behavior modeling and positive social interactions with peers. Open to participants who are working on developing communication skills (verbal communication not required). Parents and caregivers must remain on site during the program.
Wednesdays, September 22 - November 10
Ages: 4-8
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $130 Limited Scholarships Available
OUTDOOR SOCCER
Participants will learn to play the game of soccer through simple drills and small games. Goals include strengthening motor skills, following directions, and cooperative interaction with peers. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Saturdays, September 11 - October 16
Ages: 4-8
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 am
Location: Recreation and Athletic Lower Soccer Fields (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $60 Limited Scholarships Available
INDOOR SOCCER
Participants will learn to play the game of soccer through simple drills and small games. Goals include strengthening motor skills, following directions and cooperative interaction with peers.
Saturdays, October 23 - December 4 (No Session November 27)
Ages: 4-9
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am
Location: OU Rec Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $60 Limited Scholarships Available
BASIC SOCIAL SKILLS
This program is designed to teach social skills in a purposeful, small group setting. Activities will include skill-based lessons, interactive practice of new skills, role playing, behavior modeling and positive social interactions with peers. Open to participants who are working on developing communication skills (verbal communication not required). Parents and caregivers must remain on site during the program.
Wednesdays, September 22 - November 10
Ages: 4-8 Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Ages: 9-12 Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $130 Limited Scholarships Available
OUTDOOR SOCCER
Participants will learn to play the game of soccer through simple drills and small games. Goals include strengthening motor skills, following directions, and cooperative interaction with peers. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Saturdays, September 11 - October 16
Ages: 4-8 Time: 9:30 - 10:30 am
Ages: 10+ years Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am
Location: Recreation and Athletic Lower Soccer Fields (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $60 Limited Scholarships Available
INDOOR SOCCER
Participants will learn to play the game of soccer through simple drills and small games. Goals include strengthening motor skills, following directions and cooperative interaction with peers.
Saturdays, October 23 - December 4 (No Session November 27)
Ages: 4-9
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am
Location: OU Rec Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $60 Limited Scholarships Available
BASKETBALL
Participants will learn basic basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting, and team skills in a supportive environment. Mastering these skills will involve listening, following directions, and interacting with teammates.
Fridays, October 22-December 3 (No Session November 26)
Ages: 10-15
Time: 6:00 - 7:00pm
Location: OU Rec Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $60 Limited Scholarships Available
Saturdays, October 23-December 4 (No Session November 27)
Ages: 6-12
Time: 11:30 - 12:30 am
Location: OU Rec Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $60 Limited Scholarships Available
SNAG GOLF
Starting New At Golf (SNAG) is simplified golf, allowing full shots, pitching, chipping, and putting using modified equipment. Goals include improving motor skills, following directions, and developing social skills. This program is for people on the Autism spectrum. We will be using OU’s Par 3 golf course throughout the program. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Mondays, August 16-September 27 (No Session September 6)
Ages: 8+ years
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: OU Driving Range and Golf Course (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $80
BASEBALL
The OU Men’s Baseball Team teaches participants the fundamentals of baseball through skill stations and modified games. Skills such as hitting, throwing and catching will be practiced each week, along with learning how to interact as a team player. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Tuesdays, September 7-October 12
Ages: 8-16
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: OU Baseball Fields (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $50 Limited Scholarships Available
YOGA
All meetings will be virtually and are taught by a certified yoga instructor. This fun movement program utilizes breathing exercises, yoga poses and movement activities to benefit the individual with ASD. The gross motor movements practiced are designed to positively impact fitness, self-regulation and motor performance in a relaxing environment. Grab your yoga mat and join for a relaxing class. Participants will benefit from having an adult on site with them to guide their focus and physical activity during the class
Tuesdays, September 21-November 16 (No Session October 12)
Ages: 8+ years
Time: 6:00 - 6:45pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $100 Limited Scholarships Available
TEEN SOCIAL CLUB
This program offers an opportunity for pre-teens and teens to meet new people and socialize while learning about different teen topics each week. The instructor will use a variety of techniques to encourage and demonstrate positive social interaction through games, conversation, shared interests and activities as well as the formation of SMART goals. This program is for participants with Autism who possess conversational language skills. Participants may require a parent or guardian present at each session to provide support with technology.
Tuesdays, September 21-November 9
Ages: 11-14
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $130 Limited Scholarships Available
GAMING CLUB
Gaming club is an exciting opportunity for adolescents on the autism spectrum to develop social skills while playing Minecraft interactively. Participants will practice social skills and improve communication while learning to build a Minecraft world together! Parent or guardian must be available to help guide their focus and on-line activity during the class. Program requires access to a computer with Windows 10 and internet. Minecraft Java edition will not be compatible with the version being used for the club, Minecraft Bedrock edition will be needed.
Tuesdays, September 21-November 9
Ages: 11-14
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $130 Limited Scholarships Available
Teens and Adults
OUTDOOR SOCCER
Participants will learn to play the game of soccer through simple drills and small games. Goals include strengthening motor skills, following directions, and cooperative interaction with peers. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Saturdays, September 11 - October 16
Ages: 4-8 Time: 9:30 - 10:30 am
Ages: 10+ years Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am
Location: Recreation and Athletic Lower Soccer Fields (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $60 Limited Scholarships Available
BASKETBALL
Participants will learn basic basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting, and team skills in a supportive environment. Mastering these skills will involve listening, following directions, and interacting with teammates.
Fridays, October 22-December 3 (No Session November 26)
Ages: 10-15 Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Ages: 16+ years Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: OU Rec Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $60 Limited Scholarships Available
SNAG GOLF
Starting New At Golf (SNAG) is simplified golf, allowing full shots, pitching, chipping, and putting using modified equipment. Goals include improving motor skills, following directions, and developing social skills. This program is for people on the Autism spectrum. We will be using OU’s Par 3 golf course throughout the program. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Mondays, August 16-September 27 (No Session September 6)
Ages: 8+ years
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: OU Driving Range and Golf Course (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $80
BASEBALL
The OU Men’s Baseball Team teaches participants the fundamentals of baseball through skill stations and modified games. Skills such as hitting, throwing and catching will be practiced each week, along with learning how to interact as a team player. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Tuesdays, September 7-October 12
Ages: 8-16
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: OU Baseball Fields (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $50 Limited Scholarships Available
YOGA
All meetings will be virtually and are taught by a certified yoga instructor. This fun movement program utilizes breathing exercises, yoga poses and movement activities to benefit the individual with ASD. The gross motor movements practiced are designed to positively impact fitness, self-regulation and motor performance in a relaxing environment. Grab your yoga mat and join for a relaxing class. Participants will benefit from having an adult on site with them to guide their focus and physical activity during the class
Tuesdays, September 21-November 16 (No Session October 12)
Ages: 8+ years
Time: 6:00 - 6:45pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $100 Limited Scholarships Available
TEEN SOCIAL CLUB
This program offers an opportunity for pre-teens and teens to meet new people and socialize while learning about different teen topics each week. The instructor will use a variety of techniques to encourage and demonstrate positive social interaction through games, conversation, shared interests and activities as well as the formation of SMART goals. This program is for participants with Autism who possess conversational language skills. Participants may require a parent or guardian present at each session to provide support with technology.
Tuesdays, September 21-November 9
Ages: 11-14
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $130 Limited Scholarships Available
Tuesdays, September 21-November 9
Ages: 15-18
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $130 Limited Scholarships Available
GAMING CLUB
Gaming club is an exciting opportunity for adolescents on the autism spectrum to develop social skills while playing Minecraft interactively. Participants will practice social skills and improve communication while learning to build a Minecraft world together! Parent or guardian must be available to help guide their focus and on-line activity during the class. Program requires access to a computer with Windows 10 and internet. Minecraft Java edition will not be compatible with the version being used for the club, Minecraft Bedrock edition will be needed.
Tuesdays, September 21-November 9
Ages: 11-14
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $130 Limited Scholarships Available
UNIQUELY ME: WOMEN ON THE SPECTRUM CONNECT
The instructor will lead discussions on relevant women's topics including finding and keeping relationships, employment challenges, daily sensory issues, independence, and embracing life on the spectrum. This program is for adult women with Autism who possess conversational language skills. Classes will be held virtually.
Wednesdays, September 22-November 17 (No Session Oct 6)
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $80 Limited Scholarships Available
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTO EDITING
Participants will learn the main functions of a digital camera and how to best utilize them in different settings. Participants will use photography taken in class as tools to learn basic editing techniques in Adobe Photoshop. Instructed by professional photographers, this program is designed for individuals on the Autism spectrum who do not need 1:1 support.
Mondays, September 20-November 8)
Ages: 13+ years
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $200 Limited Scholarships Available
MOVIE CLUB
This program offers participants the opportunity to watch a common movie at their leisure each week, and come together virtually to discuss it. Each week the instructor will design activities around a theme of the week's movie while moderating a discussion of the movie encouraging social connections between participants. So grab your snack and join us for some movie talk! This program is for participants with Autism who possess conversational language skills. Participants may require a parent or guardian present at each session to provide support with technology.
Thursdays, September 23-November 11
Ages 14+ years
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $130 Limited Scholarships Available
SOCIAL CONNECTIONS FOR ADULTS
All classes will be virtual. This program offers Adults on the Autism Spectrum an opportunity to meet new people and socialize while learning about relevant topics each week. The instructor will address important issues such as: making and maintaining relationships, workplace etiquette, social media and internet safety, community interactions and so much more.
Thursdays, September 23-November 11
Ages: 18+ yrs.
Time 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Virtual
Cost $130 Limited Scholarships Available
NEW! STRUCTURED SOCIAL AND COMMUNICATION TRAINING FOR ADULTS
Developed and led by a successful educator with ASD, adults will learn about verbal and nonverbal communication strategies, active listening, small talk, and sympathy/empathy. This is a highly structured training and participants will be expected to complete practical “homework” activities each week which will be discussed at the following week’s class. This training is designed for participants who are able to interact independently on a computer, can follow directions with verbal prompts, and who want to improve their social and communication skills. OUCARES is partnering with Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults to run this program.
Mondays, September 20-November 8
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $130 Limited Scholarships Available
Oakland University’s highest priority in providing exemplary academic, athletic and social programs for youth is protecting the health, safety and welfare of all participants. To achieve this critically important goal, carefully screened and highly trained personnel enforce protocols designed to ensure safe conduct and supportive interaction between youth and program leaders. Learn more about OU's youth protection efforts.
Pee Wee Camp - Children 3-6 years old
Summer Day Camp - Children 7-12 years old
Teen Life Skills Camp - Teens 15-18 years old
- Practical Living Skills: Clothing care, menu planning, nutrition
- Interpersonal Skills: Initiative/dependability, anger management, conflict resolution, self-esteem, social skills, and self-confidence
- Personal Management Skills: Money management, time management, personal health care
Daily Activities will include:
- Personal health care: exercise, personal hygiene and clothing care
- Team-building activities: conflict resolution skills, managing anger issues
Skills Programs
An intensive pre-employment skills training program with strong focus on:
- "Soft" interpersonal skills (communication, social awareness, networking, team work, accepting criticism, collaboration)
- Understanding employment (career options, resumes, applications, maintaining a job)
- Independent living skills (hygiene, money management, community understanding, goal setting)
OUCARES is happy to offer the Pre-Employment Skills Training Program in-person during Fall 2021 with strict safety protocols.
Winter 2021/2022 PRE-EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM
Dates: Monday, December 6, 2021 - Friday, February 25, 2022 (Winter Break Dec. 20 - Dec. 31, 2021)
Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Age: Adult
Location: Pawley Hall, Oakland University
Cost: $3000 Limited Scholarships Available
OUCARES Pre-Employment Skills Training Application
Printable Program Flyer
Visit us on Facebook
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTO EDITING
Participants will learn the main functions of a digital camera and how to best utilize them in different settings. Participants will use photography taken in class as tools to learn basic editing techniques in Adobe Photoshop. Instructed by professional photographers, this program is designed for individuals on the Autism spectrum who do not need 1:1 support.
Mondays, September 20-November 8
Ages: 13+ years
Time: 5:30-7:00 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $200 Limited Scholarships Available
OUCARES 2021 Holiday Party
For Teens and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder ages 15 years and older. This special event is designed to encourage independence and offer a fun social opportunity for teens and adults with autism to engage with peers. All attendees must adhere to Oakland University guidelines to keep all participants and staff safe and healthy. This means all attendees must wear face masks regardless of vaccination status.
Please note: This event is to encourage independence. The parent or caregiver is permitted to register, only if the participant requires a 1:1 support. There is a $15 registration fee for any parent or caregiver attending.
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Ages: 15 and older
NEW Time: 1-4pm
Location: Oakland Center Banquet Rooms (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $15 per person
Online Registration for Holiday Party (click on "events")
FALL 2021 PROGRAM REGISTRATION
Limited Scholarships are available for ALL Fall 2021 Programs
Printable Fall 2021 Scholarship Packet
Complete the Participant Information Form only if you are a New Participant to OUCARES Programming.
Oakland University’s highest priority in providing exemplary academic, athletic and social programs for youth is protecting the health, safety and welfare of all participants. To achieve this critically important goal, carefully screened and highly trained personnel enforce protocols designed to ensure safe conduct and supportive interaction between youth and program leaders. Learn more about OU's youth protection efforts.
Programs
