Program Information
Fall 2025 Program Registration Information
Register Online now for OUCARES Fall 2025 programs.
Scholarships Available for all Fall 2025 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. To learn more, visit OU's Youth Protection webpage.
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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]
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 eligible to register/pay for this program and should complete a separate registration. Limited Scholarships Available for participant on the autism spectrum.
Wednesdays, September 3 - October 8
Ages: 8+
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Location: OU Baseball Field
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Basketball
Participants will learn basic basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting, and team skills in a supportive environment. Developing these skills will involve listening, following directions, and interacting with teammates. Learn a fun sport while engaging in social interactions with peers. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Fridays, September 12 - November 14 (No Session 10/17 or 10/31)
Ages: 10-15
Time: 6 - 6:45 pm
Location: Recreation Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Saturdays, September 13 - November 8 (No session 10/18)
Ages: 6-12
Time: 10:15-11:00am
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Farm Animal Connection and Care
OUCARES is pairing with O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) and utilizing their specialized facility in Ortonville to provide therapeutic equine experiences, including animal-assisted learning and barnyard literacy. This initiative combines the therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses and animals, alongside an educational focus on farm life, to enhance the personal development and academic skills of participants. OATS creates an inclusive, supportive environment for students impacted by autism, fostering emotional, cognitive, and social growth through hands-on experiences with horses and other barnyard animals. This program is open to all skill and ability levels, no previous experience with animals is needed. *Please note this is not a therapeutic horse riding program and will not involve riding horses.
Saturdays, September 13 - November 8 (No Session 10/18)
Ages: 10+
Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Location: O.A.T.S. (4920 Groveland Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462)
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online
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. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Mondays, September 15 - November 3
Ages: 10-14 Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Indoor Soccer
Participants will learn to play the game of soccer through simple drills and small games. Goals include strengthening motor skills, following directions, cooperative interaction with peers, and having fun in a supportive environment. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Saturdays, September 13 - November 8 (No session 10/18)
Ages: 4-9
Time: 11:15 am - 12 pm
Location: Recreation Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Judo
Instructed by Judo Steve, a 5th Level Black Belt with experience teaching individuals with ASD. Learn the basics of Judo while building confidence, self-discipline, listening skills, increase coordination and controlled movements. Judo is a fun way to exercise while also learning to follow directions and practice self-defense skills. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Mondays, September 15 - November 3
Ages: 7-13
Time: 6:15-7:00pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 Scholarships Available
Register Online
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. We will be using OU's Par 3 golf course throughout the program. Siblings or peer buddies are eligible to register/pay for this program.
Mondays, August 25 - October 27 (No session September 1)
Ages: 8+
Time: 6:00- 7:00 pm
Location: Oakland University Golf Course Driving Range
Cost: $140 Scholarships Available
Register Online
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 eligible to register/pay for this program and should complete a separate registration. Limited Scholarships Available for participant on the autism spectrum.
Wednesdays, September 3 - October 8
Ages: 8+
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Location: OU Baseball Field
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Basketball
Participants will learn basic basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting, and team skills in a supportive environment. Developing these skills will involve listening, following directions, and interacting with teammates. Learn a fun sport while engaging in social interactions with peers. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Fridays, September 12 - November 14 (No Session 10/17 or 10/31)
Ages: 10-15
Time: 6 - 6:45 pm
Location: Recreation Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Saturdays, September 13 - November 8 (No session 10/18)
Ages: 6-12
Time: 10:15-11:00am
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Farm Animal Connection and Care
OUCARES is pairing with O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) and utilizing their specialized facility in Ortonville to provide therapeutic equine experiences, including animal-assisted learning and barnyard literacy. This initiative combines the therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses and animals, alongside an educational focus on farm life, to enhance the personal development and academic skills of participants. OATS creates an inclusive, supportive environment for students impacted by autism, fostering emotional, cognitive, and social growth through hands-on experiences with horses and other barnyard animals. This program is open to all skill and ability levels, no previous experience with animals is needed. *Please note this is not a therapeutic horse riding program and will not involve riding horses.
Saturdays, September 13 - November 8 (No Session 10/18)
Ages: 10+
Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Location: O.A.T.S. (4920 Groveland Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462)
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online
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. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Mondays, September 15 - November 3
Ages: 10-14 Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Ages: 15+ Time: 6:45-7:45pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Judo
Instructed by Judo Steve, a 5th Level Black Belt with experience teaching individuals with ASD. Learn the basics of Judo while building confidence, self-discipline, listening skills, increase coordination and controlled movements. Judo is a fun way to exercise while also learning to follow directions and practice self-defense skills. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Mondays, September 15 - November 3
Ages: 7-13 Time: 6:15-7:00pm
Ages: 14+ Time: 7:15-8:00pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 Scholarships Available
Register Online
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. We will be using OU's Par 3 golf course throughout the program. Siblings or peer buddies are eligible to register/pay for this program.
Mondays, August 25 - October 27 (No session September 1)
Ages: 8+
Time: 6:00- 7:00 pm
Location: Oakland University Golf Course Driving Range
Cost: $140 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Teen Social Club
This program offers an opportunity for pre-teens & 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 positive social interaction through games, conversation, shared interests, and activities, as well as instructing participants in the formation of goals.
Thursdays, September 11 - October 30
Ages: 12-14 Time: 5 - 6 pm
Ages: 15-18 Time: 6:15 - 7:15 pm
Location: Oakland University West Campus
Cost: $175 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Volleyball
Participants will learn to play a sport while also being able to socialize and have fun! Players will learn the basics of volleyball such as how to serve, bump, volley, and set while also learning about team work, increasing their confidence, improving their motor skills and coordination. Some participants will benefit from having a parent/guardian participate with them to guide their focus and physical activity during the class. *Please note that the dates in September will be outside at the sand volleyball court.
Tuesdays, September 9 - November 4 (No Session 9/16)
Ages: 14+ years
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Sand Volleyball Courts / Recreation Center (Oakland University’s Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
After Hours Adult Social
This is a social group for adults on the Autism spectrum and related challenges of all abilities. If one-on-one assistance is needed, parents/caregivers are required to provide support. Come join us for pizza, conversation, cards, games, and fun! No registration required, come when you are able.
Tuesdays, September 16th, October 21st, and November 11th
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: Lake Superior Room, Oakland Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: No cost for this program
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 eligible to register/pay for this program and should complete a separate registration. Limited Scholarships Available for participant on the autism spectrum.
Wednesdays, September 3 - October 8
Ages: 8+
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Location: OU Baseball Field
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Basketball
Participants will learn basic basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting, and team skills in a supportive environment. Developing these skills will involve listening, following directions, and interacting with teammates. Learn a fun sport while engaging in social interactions with peers. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Fridays, September 12 - November 14 (No Session 10/17 or 10/31)
Ages: 16+
Time: 7 - 7:45 pm
Location: Recreation Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Bowling League
OUCARES' Bowling Leagues provide a fantastic opportunity for individuals with ASD to bowl in a supportive and controlled environment. Social participation is encouraged to help participants develop friendships in a community setting. Price includes 2 games/week, bowling ball & shoes, and a pizza party. The parent/caregiver will need to remain with the bowler if one on one assistance is required.
Oakland Bowling
Saturdays, September 20 - November 8
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Location: Classic Lanes (2145 Avon Industrial Dr., Rochester Hills)
Cost: $120
Register Online
Troy Bowling
Mondays, September 15 - November 10 (No session 11/3)
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: Bowl One (1639 14 Mile Rd., Troy)
Cost: $120 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Farm Animal Connection and Care
OUCARES is pairing with O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) and utilizing their specialized facility in Ortonville to provide therapeutic equine experiences, including animal-assisted learning and barnyard literacy. This initiative combines the therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses and animals, alongside an educational focus on farm life, to enhance the personal development and academic skills of participants. OATS creates an inclusive, supportive environment for students impacted by autism, fostering emotional, cognitive, and social growth through hands-on experiences with horses and other barnyard animals. This program is open to all skill and ability levels, no previous experience with animals is needed. *Please note this is not a therapeutic horse riding program and will not involve riding horses.
Saturdays, September 13 - November 8 (No Session 10/18)
Ages: 10+
Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Location: O.A.T.S. (4920 Groveland Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462)
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online
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. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Mondays, September 15 - November 3
Ages: 15+
Time: 6:45-7:45pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Judo
Instructed by Judo Steve, a 5th Level Black Belt with experience teaching individuals with ASD. Learn the basics of Judo while building confidence, self-discipline, listening skills, increase coordination and controlled movements. Judo is a fun way to exercise while also learning to follow directions and practice self-defense skills. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!
Mondays, September 15 - November 3
Ages: 14+
Time: 7:15-8:00pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 Scholarships Available
Register Online
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 facilitator 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 the meeting 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 11 - October 30
Ages: 14+ years
Time: 7 pm - 8 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $175 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Skills for Healthy Relationships
Developed and led by a successful Autistic Self-Advocate, participants will engage in an 8-week program to learn and practice skills that can be applied to all types of relationships, including family, friends, romantic partners, acquaintances, and colleagues. This course is designed to promote self-advocacy and self-determination for autistic adults. The class will allow participants to identify skills they would like to improve and provide a safe space to think about how to self-advocate in their everyday lives. The goal of this program is for participants to gain confidence in their ability to self-advocate in everyday situations. Having access to a computer will be necessary to attend this class as it is conducted virtually. OUCARES is partnering with Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults to run this program.
Mondays, September 8 - October 27
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online
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. We will be using OU's Par 3 golf course throughout the program. Siblings or peer buddies are eligible to register/pay for this program.
Mondays, August 25 - October 27 (No session September 1)
Ages: 8+
Time: 6:00- 7:00 pm
Location: Oakland University Golf Course Driving Range
Cost: $140 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Social Connections for Adults
This program offers adults on the Autism spectrum an opportunity to meet new people and socialize while learning about relevant topics each week. The facilitator will address important issues such as making and maintaining relationships, workplace etiquette, social media and internet safety, community interactions, and other timely topics.
Thursdays, September 11 - October 30
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $175 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Uniquely Me: Women on the Spectrum Connect
The facilitator 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.
Wednesdays, September 10 - October 29
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 7 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $150 Scholarships Available
Register Online
Volleyball
Participants will learn to play a sport while also being able to socialize and have fun! Players will learn the basics of volleyball such as how to serve, bump, volley, and set while also learning about team work, increasing their confidence, improving their motor skills and coordination. Some participants will benefit from having a parent/guardian participate with them to guide their focus and physical activity during the class. *Please note that the dates in September will be outside at the sand volleyball court.
Tuesdays, September 9 - November 4 (No Session 9/16)
Ages: 14+ years
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Sand Volleyball Courts / Recreation Center (Oakland University’s Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online
2025 Summer Camps were offered for ages 3 and up through the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services. 2026 offerings will be posted here. Make sure to join our email list to be the first to know about summer camp offerings!
