Seasonal Programs

Spring 2025 Program Registration is now closed. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions. View our seasonal program options for an idea of programs we offer throughout the year.

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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Ages 4-5

Outdoor 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! This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Story and Play Time
This program is an interactive story time that includes books, songs, crafts, building and movement. Each day will focus on a different story and activity. Through story time, children will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of fun-filled experiences that promote interaction, communication, self-confidence and the development of motor skills.

Ages 6-12

New Farm Animal Connection and Care
OUCARES has a NEW offering this spring! We are 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.

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!

NEW Building Club
Join us for our NEW Building Club, powered by LEGO Education, and learn while having fun! Participants will build on creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills while using LEGOs with their peers. At the end of each session, participants can share their finished product with the group. Any LEGO skill level is welcome. All LEGOs will be provided.

D and D Style Game Club
Join us for our in-person D and D Style Game Club! This club is an exciting opportunity for preteens and teens on the autism spectrum to develop social skills while playing tabletop games. Club participants will use Critical Core, similar to Dungeons & Dragons, to enhance communication, foster social problem-solving, and cultivate leadership while learning to build an immersive world together! Participants do not need experience with Dungeons & Dragons to be a part of this club but should have an interest in collaborative gaming.

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!

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!

SNAG Golf
Starting New At Golf (SNAG) is simplified golf, allowing full shots, pitching, chipping, and putting using modified equipment.

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.

Teens and Adults

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, May 20th, and June 10th
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: Oakland Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: No cost for this program

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.

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.

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.

SNAG Golf
Starting New At Golf (SNAG) is simplified golf, allowing full shots, pitching, chipping, and putting using modified equipment.

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.

Teen Social Club
This program offers an opportunity for preteens and teens to meet new people and socialize while learning about different teen topics each week. The facilitator will use a variety of techniques to encourage positive social interactions through games, conversation, shared interests, and activities as well as instructing participants in the formation of goals.

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.

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.

Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach

Pawley Hall, Room 425C
456 Pioneer Dr.
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2424