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Program Information

Winter 2026  Program Registration Information 

Register Online now for OUCARES Winter 2026 programs. 

Scholarships Available for all Winter 2026 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.

Have questions? Contact us to request additional information.

If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of the content or documents on this page, please view our Public Accessibility Statement.

October and December Minecraft Meetups
MineCraft Meetup is an exciting event that created virtual space for adolescents on the autism spectrum to come together and socialize while playing MineCraft interactively. Participants will practice social skills and improve communication while learning to build a MineCraft sculpture together! The theme of this event is Create Your Own Sculpture Contest. This sculpture can be your favorite animal, character, or art idea. The winner will be featured in OUCARES socials. 

Parent or guardian must be available to help guide their focus and on-line activity during the event. Event requires access to a computer with Windows 10 and internet. Minecraft Java edition will not be compatible with the version being used for this event. Minecraft Bedrock edition will be needed. Must successfully log on to Minecraft before the date of the event. In order to participate in the sculpture contest, participants must give OUCARES the right to reproduce any materials submitted in the contest. Contest submission is not a requirement of the event, but a fun opportunity! 

The version we will be using 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)

Two dates are available.  Participants are welcome to register for either or both.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 and / or Monday, December 8, 2025
Ages: 10-18 years
Time: 6:30-8pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $10 Register Online

 

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.

Have questions? Contact us to request additional information.

If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of the content or documents on this page, please view our Public Accessibility Statement.

 

Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach

Pawley Hall, Room 381
456 Pioneer Dr.
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2424
[email protected]

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, January 9 - February 27
Ages: 10-15
Time: 6 - 6:45 pm
Location: Recreation Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online

Saturdays, January 10 - February 28
Ages: 6-12
Time: 10:15-11:00am
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 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 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! 

Mondays, January 12 - March 9 (No session 1/19)
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, January 10 - February 28
Ages: 4-9
Time: 11:15 am - 12:00 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, January 12 - March 9 (No session 1/19)
Ages: 7-13  Time: 6:15-7:00pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 Scholarships Available
Register Online

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.

Wednesdays, January 14 - March 4
Ages: 10-14  Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Location: Auburn Hills Community Center (3350 E Seyburn Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326)
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online

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.

Tuesdays, January 13 - March 10 (No Session 3/3)
Ages: 10-14  Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Location: Studio 897; OU Recreation Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 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, January 9 - February 27
Ages: 10-15
Time: 6 - 6:45 pm
Location: Recreation Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Scholarships Available
Register Online

Saturdays, January 10 - February 28
Ages: 6-12
Time: 10:15-11:00am
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 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 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! 

Mondays, January 12 - March 9 (No session 1/19)
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, January 12 - March 9 (No session 1/19)
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

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.

Wednesdays, January 14 - March 4
Ages: 10-14  Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Location: Auburn Hills Community Center (3350 E Seyburn Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326)
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online

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!

Wednesdays, January 14 - March 4
Ages: 15+  Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Location: Auburn Hills Community Center (3350 E Seyburn Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326)
Cost: $250 Scholarships Available
Register Online

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.

Tuesdays, January 13 - March 10 (No Session 3/3)
Ages: 10-14  Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Location: Studio 897; OU Recreation Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 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, January 15 - March 5
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.  

Tuesdays, January 13 - March 10 (No Session 3/3)
Ages: 14+ years
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: 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, November 11, January 13, 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! 

Fridays, January 9 - February 27
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, January 10 - February 28
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Location: Classic Lanes (2145 Avon Industrial Dr., Rochester Hills)
Cost: $120 
Register Online

Troy Bowling
Mondays, January 12 - March 9 (No session 1/19)
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: Bowl One (1639 14 Mile Rd., Troy)
Cost: $120 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 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! 

Mondays, January 12 - March 9 (No session 1/19)
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, January 12 - March 9 (No session 1/19)
Ages: 14+   Time: 7:15-8:00pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 Scholarships Available
Register Online

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!

Wednesdays, January 14 - March 4
Ages: 15+  Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Location: Auburn Hills Community Center (3350 E Seyburn Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326)
Cost: $250 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, January 15 - March 5
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, January 12 - March 9 (No session 1/19)
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 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, January 15 - March 5
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, January 14 - March 4
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. 

Tuesdays, January 13 - March 10 (No Session 3/3)
Ages: 14+ years
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: 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!