Program Information

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!  

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 can be played on a computer with Windows 10 and the internet. Minecraft Java Edition will not be compatible with the version being used for the club. Minecraft Bedrock Edition will be needed. It can also be joined from the phone/tablet app and several gaming systems (XBOX, Nintendo Switch, etc). Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program! 

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! 

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! 

NEW Kitchen Confidence: The Basics
Join the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services (OUCARES) at the Auburn Hills Community Center for a fun, hands-on cooking program designed for absolute beginners! No prior kitchen experience is needed. We'll build confidence by teaching very basic kitchen skills, safety, and teamwork. Each week, participants will follow easy, step-by-step, no-heat recipes to create delicious snacks like fruit salad, no-bake cookies, and trail mix. They'll practice essential skills such as knife safety, measuring ingredients, and keeping a clean workspace. This is the perfect opportunity to learn and grow your confidence in the kitchen! Please note, this class will not involve using the stove, oven, or microwave.

NEW OUCARES Athletic Club
Join us for our new adaptive fitness program that makes exercise accessible, engaging, and inclusive. This program is dedicated to empowering individuals through exercise by incorporating stretching and flexibility, partner-based exercises, and team activities to promote physical fitness, social connection, and personal growth. Each week features a different theme, sparking imagination while keeping activities fresh and engaging.

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!  

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 can be played on a computer with Windows 10 and the internet. Minecraft Java Edition will not be compatible with the version being used for the club. Minecraft Bedrock Edition will be needed. It can also be joined from the phone/tablet app and several gaming systems (XBOX, Nintendo Switch, etc). 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! 

NEW Kitchen Confidence: The Basics
Join the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services (OUCARES) at the Auburn Hills Community Center for a fun, hands-on cooking program designed for absolute beginners! No prior kitchen experience is needed. We'll build confidence by teaching very basic kitchen skills, safety, and teamwork. Each week, participants will follow easy, step-by-step, no-heat recipes to create delicious snacks like fruit salad, no-bake cookies, and trail mix. They'll practice essential skills such as knife safety, measuring ingredients, and keeping a clean workspace. This is the perfect opportunity to learn and grow your confidence in the kitchen! Please note, this class will not involve using the stove, oven, or microwave.

NEW Kitchen Confidence: Mastering the Basics
Ready to take your cooking skills to the next level? Join the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services (OUCARES) for this hands-on program at the Auburn Hills Community Center. We'll build on foundational skills by introducing kitchen prep tools and using the microwave and stovetop. Through fun, step-by-step recipes, participants will master essential techniques like reading a recipe, cutting ingredients, measuring, and mixing. Each week, we'll create and sample dishes like pasta salad, pancakes, and quesadillas. This is a great chance to expand your culinary abilities and grow your independence in the kitchen!

NEW OUCARES Athletic Club
Join us for our new adaptive fitness program that makes exercise accessible, engaging, and inclusive. This program is dedicated to empowering individuals through exercise by incorporating stretching and flexibility, partner-based exercises, and team activities to promote physical fitness, social connection, and personal growth. Each week features a different theme, sparking imagination while keeping activities fresh and engaging.

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.

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.  

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,  February 10, March 10

Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: Oakland Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: No cost for this program

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! 

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.

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 can be played on a computer with Windows 10 and the internet. Minecraft Java Edition will not be compatible with the version being used for the club. Minecraft Bedrock Edition will be needed. It can also be joined from the phone/tablet app and several gaming systems (XBOX, Nintendo Switch, etc). 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! 

NEW Kitchen Confidence: Mastering the Basics
Ready to take your cooking skills to the next level? Join the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services (OUCARES) for this hands-on program at the Auburn Hills Community Center. We'll build on foundational skills by introducing kitchen prep tools and using the microwave and stovetop. Through fun, step-by-step recipes, participants will master essential techniques like reading a recipe, cutting ingredients, measuring, and mixing. Each week, we'll create and sample dishes like pasta salad, pancakes, and quesadillas. This is a great chance to expand your culinary abilities and grow your independence in the kitchen!

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.

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.

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. 

We are pleased to offer the following camps for 2026.  Applications will be available soon. All camps take place Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3pm.  Please email [email protected] with any questions. Scholarships are available for all camps. 

Pee Wee Camp 

Pee Wee Camp is perfect for children who love fun, interactive activities that focus on skill building and socializing with peers.   Activities will focus on maintaining known skills and acquiring new skills to improve the quality of life. All activities are structured and are planned around a theme. Some of the themes we will focus on are: Language Arts, Sensory Fun, Water Fun, Sports & Fitness, Arts and Crafts, Social Skills, Music, Fine Motor Fun, and so much more! This camp is designed for individuals who can engage in activities with the support of 1 adult for every 3 campers (do not need 1:1 support).

Apply online

Ages 3 - 6 years
Session 1 (2 weeks) Monday, July 6 - Friday July 17
Session 2 (2 weeks) Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 31
Cost: $850 per session  Scholarships are available
Time: 9 am - 3pm
Location: Pawley Hall, Oakland University Campus

Summer Day Camp 
Each week will be filled with loads of fun, including arts and crafts, sensory time, social skills, gross motor activities, and much more! Camp activities will be recreational with an academic component. All activities are highly structured and are planned around a weekly theme. Summer day campers must be independent in toileting and able to engage in activities with the support of 1 adult for every 3 campers.

Apply online

Ages 7-9 years
Session 1 (2 weeks) Monday, July 6 - Friday July 17
Session 2 (2 weeks) Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 31
Cost: $850 per session  Scholarships are available
Time: 9 am - 3pm
Location: Pawley Hall, Oakland University Campus

STEAM & Recreation Camp 
STEAM and Recreation Camp explores science, technology, engineering, art, and math while developing social, communication, and independence skills!  Each day, campers will participate in fun-filled activities centered around teamwork, developing friendships, working toward common goals, and developing problem-solving skills. All camp activities will be recreational and include an academic component to promote learning in natural ways. All activities are highly structured and are planned around a weekly theme.  This camp is designed for individuals who are interested in STEAM, can engage in activities with the support of 1 adult for every 3 campers (do not need 1:1 support), and must be independent in toileting.

Apply online

Ages 10-13 years
Session 1 (2 weeks) Monday, July 6 - Friday July 17
Session 2 (2 weeks) Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 31
Cost: $850 per session  Scholarships are available
Time: 9 am - 3pm
Location: Pawley Hall, Oakland University Campus

Teen Life Skills Camp for 14 - 17 year olds
Teen Life Skills Camp is for teens who want to meet new friends and grow their independence skills. Each session will be full of fun activities focused on learning life skills. Daily activities will include focuses such as personal hygiene and health care, recreation activities, and team-building activities. Campers will have the opportunity to swim, explore nature, express themselves through art forms, learn about career pathways, and develop budgeting skills; all while engaging with their peers. Campers will also have the opportunity to explore the campus and learn about Oakland University’s many offerings. Teen life skills campers must be independent in toileting and able to engage in activities with the support of no more than 1 adult for every 3 campers.

Apply online

Ages 14 - 17 years 
Session 1: Monday, July 6 - Friday July 10
Session 2: Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17
Session 3: Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 24
Session 4: Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31
Cost: $425 per session  Scholarships are available 
Time: 9 am - 3pm
Location: Pawley Hall, Oakland University Campus

Adult Life Skills Camp 
Adult Life Skills Camp is for adults who want to meet new friends, grow their independence skills, and learn job-related skills. Each session will be full of fun activities focused on learning life skills, including practical living skills, interpersonal skills, and personal management skills. Daily Activities will include team-building, understanding employment, personal health care (such as exercise, personal hygiene, and clothing care,) and campus exploration. Adult life skills campers must be independent in toileting and able to engage in activities with the support of no more than 1 adult for every 3 campers.

Apply online

Ages 18+ years
Session 1: Monday, July 6 - Friday July 10
Session 2: Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17
Session 3: Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 24
Session 4: Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31
Cost: $425 per session  Scholarships are available 
Time: 9 am - 3pm
Location: Pawley Hall, Oakland University Campus