Seasonal 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 OU's Youth Protection webpage.
If you are a new participant to OUCARES Programming, complete the Participant Information Form.
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.
Saturdays, April 13 - June 1 (No April 27 and May 25)
Ages: 4-9
Time: 10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location: Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex RAO (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited 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! This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Fridays, April 12 - May 31 (No April 26 and May 24)
Ages: 10-15
Time: 6 - 6:45 pm
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited 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!
Tuesdays, April 9 - May 28
Ages: 10-14
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
Individual Social Coaching
OUCARES is excited to now offer one-on-one individualized virtual coaching! Using the Charisma social coaching platform, trained social coaches will teach invaluable social skills to help understand social norms and learn to navigate social situations appropriately. Given the nature of the coaching, participants must be able to verbally communicate and independently use a computer (once instructions have been taught). Individual social coaching can occur based on your own schedule, and includes 10 one-hour sessions.
Registered participants will be contacted to schedule their individual days / times
Ages: 12+ years
Location: Virtual
Cost: $450
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! This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Mondays, January 22 - February 26
Ages: 7-13
Time: 6:15 - 7:00 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
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.
Saturdays, April 13 - June 1 (No Session April 27 - May 25)
Ages: 4-9 Time: 10:15 am - 11:00 am
Ages 10 - 15 Time: 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex RAO (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited 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 invited to register for this program! This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Mondays, April 8 - May 13
Ages: 8+ years
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: OU Driving Range (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $140 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
NEW Tabletop Role Playing Game Club
Join us for our NEW in-person Tabletop Role Playing 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. This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Wednesdays, April 10 - May 29
Ages: 10-14 Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Oakland University West Campus
Cost: $250 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
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. This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Thursdays, April 11 - May 16
Ages: 12-14 Time: 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Location: Oakland University West Campus
Cost: $100 Limited 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, April 16, May 21, June 11
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 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! This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Fridays, April 12 - May 31 (No Session April 26 and May 24)
Ages: 10-15 Time: 6 - 6:45 pm
Ages: 16+ Time: 7 - 7:45 pm
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited 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, April 6 - June 1 (No Session May 25)
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Location: Classic Lanes (2145 Avon Industrial Dr., Rochester Hills)
Cost: $120 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
Troy Bowling
Mondays, April 8 - June 3 (No Session May 27)
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: Bowl One (1639 14 Mile Rd., Troy)
Cost: $120 Limited 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!
Tuesdays, April 9 - May 28
Ages: 10-14
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
Individual Social Coaching
OUCARES is excited to now offer one-on-one individualized virtual coaching! Using the Charisma social coaching platform, trained social coaches will teach invaluable social skills to help understand social norms and learn to navigate social situations appropriately. Given the nature of the coaching, participants must be able to verbally communicate and independently use a computer (once instructions have been taught). Individual social coaching can occur based on your own schedule, and includes 10 one-hour sessions.
Registered participants will be contacted to schedule their individual days/times
Ages: 12+ years
Location: Virtual
Cost: $450
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! This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Mondays, April 8 - May 13
Ages: 7-13 Time: 6:15 - 7:00 pm
Ages 14+ Time: 7:00- 7:45 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 Limited 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, April 11 - May 16
Ages: 14+ years
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $175 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
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.
Saturdays, April 13 - June 1 (No Session April 27 - May 25)
Ages: 4-9 Time: 10:15 am - 11:00 am
Ages 10 - 15 Time: 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex RAO (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited 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 invited to register for this program! This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Mondays, April 8 - May 13
Ages: 8+ years
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: OU Driving Range (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $140 Limited 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, April 11 - May 16
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $175 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
NEW Tabletop Role Playing Game Club
Join us for our NEW in-person Tabletop Role Playing 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. This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Wednesdays, April 10 - May 29
Ages: 10-14 Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Ages 15-18 Time 6:45 - 7:45 pm
Location: Oakland University West Campus
Cost: $250 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
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. This program is made possible in part by the generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Thursdays, April 11 - May 16
Ages: 12-14 Time: 5 - 6 pm
Ages: 15-18 Time: 6:15 - 7:15 pm
Location: Oakland University West Campus
Cost: $175 Limited 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, April 10 - May 15
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 7 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $150 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online
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