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.
- 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.
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)
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:
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
We are looking for a caregiver or two for our 24 year-old son with severe autism. The hours would be as follows:
Seeking Companion for 26 Year Old Female with Autism
Once or twice a week to start. We’re looking for a kind-hearted individual who will take our easy-going daughter out into the
community. She enjoys going to restaurants, carnivals, swinging, swimming, and strawberry milkshakes with no whip cream. She loves all music and enjoys going to concerts, especially community-based outdoor summer venues. She’s a homebody because it’s ‘safe’ for her, but we’re concerned she doesn’t get out enough. When she does, it’s with mom and dad, and she could really benefit from spending time with someone closer to her own age. Hours would be very flexible and we would work around your schedule. The outings would only be for a couple hours at a time. We live in Royal Oak. Pay is $20 an hour to start.
Qualifications
● Valid driver's license
● Preferably OU student in special education related program, but not required
● Female preferred
Contact Joan, [email protected] or text 248 227-0120 (Posted 6/27/25)
Respite Care/ CLS Worker Needed
Do you like to: Go to the Zoo? Working out at the YMCA? Bike Riding? Shopping? Playing Video Games? Going to Comic Book Stores? Comic-Con? Watching 80-90s Movies?
Starting wage is $18.00/$20.00 an hour
We are in need of Community Living Support (CLS)/Respite Care workers to work with our two high functioning autistic men (ages 27 and 22). The job will provide assistance to the family in the care of our children, while facilitating the children’s independence and integration into the community. (Will work with only 1 boy at a time.) The support is identified by their IPOS plans and will be provided in the children’s home and in community settings.
This position is for 15-20 hours a week, with evening hours and some weekends, located in the Birmingham area (Maple and Adams.)
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 (i.e., not a fugitive from justice, a convicted felon, or an illegal alien)
- 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 will be provided to fill these requirements.
- CPR/First Aid
- Recipient Rights
- Blood borne pathogens or Infectious Disease Control
- Environmental Emergency Preparedness
Background checks are required.
This position gives a great opportunity to work on interpersonal skills and health care experience, social work experience and education.
If interested, please submit resume with cover letter to JoAnn Smith at [email protected] (Posted 8/27/25)
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.
Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach
456 Pioneer Dr.
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2424
[email protected]
Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach
456 Pioneer Dr.
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2424
[email protected]
