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
Looking for meaningful, part-time work? We’re hiring a caregiver for our 17-year-old son, who has autism. He is a fun, active teen who loves playing ball, swimming in our saltwater pool, listening to music, going for walks, and chilling at home.
Pay: $25–26 per hour (respite and CLS hours are paid slightly differently)
Schedule: Flexible hours (after school, evenings, and weekends). We’re happy to work around your class schedule, and we’re open to hiring more than one caregiver to cover shifts.
Location: Clinton Township (Hall & Heydenreich)
About Our Home: We have two super-friendly dogs (a golden retriever and a golden doodle), so you’ll need to be comfortable with pets!
What We’re Looking For:
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Reliable, patient, and enjoys spending time with individuals with autism
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Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
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Comfortable completing a background check
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Open to a few required trainings, which are mostly online.
Bonus (but not required):
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Experience supporting individuals with autism
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Studying special education, psychology, social work, or a related field
This is a great opportunity for students who want hands-on experience in education, psychology, social work, or health care—while also making a meaningful difference in their lives.
If interested, please email Patti at [email protected] (Posted 9/8/2025)
Caregiver Needed for a Loving Family
We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated caregiver to join our family in caring for our 5-year-old son Luka, who has medical needs and attends Wing Lake Developmental Center year-round. He weighs 31 lbs and requires lifting, so physical capability is necessary. Ideal Candidate:
◦ Thoughtful, patient, and committed to long-term caregiving
◦ Willing to become a valued part of our family
◦ CPR certified
◦ Able to provide a resume
Details:
◦ Training provided
◦ Competitive pay
◦ Schedule: 2-3 weekdays and one weekend shift (4-8 hours per shift)
If you're interested, please reach out with your resume. We look forward to meeting you! Sarah Kupczyk [email protected] (Posted 9/17/2025)
Caregiver Needed
Seeking a caregiver for our 4 year old daughter. She is nonverbal autistic and currently attends special education preschool, speech therapy, OT and ABA during the week. She is super sweet, easy going, curious and fun. We also have a 6 year old son who will be home and you may be responsible for him as well but our daughter would be your main focus.
We are a family in Birmingham looking for someone to help with our three kids after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Additional hours available for the right candidate! We have a bright, mature, and responsible 11 year-old daughter who is in 6th grade (typically developing with mild ADHD), and energetic, inquisitive 8 year-old twin boys in 3rd grade who both have ADHD/Level 1 ASD diagnoses. Excellent opportunity for hands-on experience for students in related fields!
Respite / CLS Worker Needed
- 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
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In good standing with the law
- 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
- CPR/First Aid
- Recipient Rights
- Blood borne pathogens or Infectious Disease Control
- Environmental Emergency Preparedness
Experienced Respite Caregiver Needed
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]
