Oakland University's Center for Autism (OUCARES)

09/03/2026

Thankful Thursday!

Our summer camps are always packed full of exciting activities thanks to our amazing community partners! From the local fire department to campus bell tower experts, our campers had a blast this summer exploring different skills and occupations. We are so grateful to the individuals who spent time talking to and guiding our campers through their own specialties this summer.

Auburn Hills Fire Department
Comfort Canines
Cranbrook Institute of Science
Dennis Curry - Elliott Carillon Tower
Judo Steve
Oakland County Parks
Oakland University Campus Student Organic Farm
Oakland University Police Department
Rochester Hills Public Library - big blue bus

09/02/2026

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!

You may know Miss Kelsey from a plethora of OUCARES events and programs throughout the years. Most recently, one of the facilitators of our super popular After Hours Adult Social events! Kelsey is passionate about creating opportunities for participants to explore their interests, build confidence, and express themselves in a fun and supportive environment.

This season, we're excited to announce that Miss Kelsey will be facilitating our brand NEW program, Let's Go on With the Show! From singing and dancing to acting, sharing fun facts, telling jokes, or showcasing a unique interest, there’s a place for every talent and every participant on this stage!
We’re excited to have Kelsey leading this creative and inclusive program and can’t wait to see what our participants bring to the show!

Register online today: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21178_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=6&CATID=13&SINGLESTORE=true

09/01/2026

Check out our newest employable skills program for adults!

Navigating the workplace can come with unique challenges, from communication differences and social expectations to sensory and environmental needs. This brand new program is designed to help Autistic adults better understand their needs, communicate effectively, and advocate for themselves at work.

Developed and led by successful Autistic self-advocate, Katie Oswald, participants will explore workplace accommodations, learn how to identify supports that may help them succeed, and develop strategies for navigating social situations and misunderstandings at work. The group will also discuss common workplace scenarios, communication differences across neurotypes, and options available to them to navigate these challenges. This program will meet twice a week. Full scholarships available.

Register: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21178_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=6&CATID=13&SINGLESTORE=true

08/31/2026

Join for for Artistic Expressions, a fun and inclusive art program! 🎨
In partnership with The Art Experience in Pontiac, Each unique class features theme-based artmaking, led by Lisa Bennett, ATR (Registered Art Therapist). Activities include painting, creating prints, exploring self-portraits, and more! Some activities will be individual, and others will be collaborative among the group. Enjoy sessions that explore inner experiences while engaging in hands-on, accessible art projects within a supportive group setting. All materials are provided, and no prior art experience is required.

The Art Experience (TAE) is a community arts center located in downtown Pontiac, and all sessions will be held in their studio. TAE provides inclusive, accessible, and welcoming creative spaces for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Register: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21178_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=6&CATID=13&SINGLESTORE=true

Scholarships: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19QCxoydartiF-Q68XMG0-5rEyYM3GRQI8LKzhJ1khuQ/edit?tab=t.0

08/28/2026

OUCARES is looking for volunteers to join us for our upcoming fall programs and events! Whether you’re looking for a one-day volunteer opportunity or want to get involved in a multi-week program, there are a variety of ways to make a difference.

Volunteer opportunities include:
Recreational programs
Social programs
Seasonal events

By volunteering with OUCARES, you’ll have the opportunity to support the autism community, build meaningful connections, and gain valuable volunteer experience and hours. Training is provided, and no prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is required!

Complete our volunteer interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3Vay0sCBBOTiEAy_idaN6FLGKZfxd3_0fcrOdm861RmKx-A/viewform

08/27/2026

Are you a parent, grandparent, or caregiver of a young child? Join the Pontiac Family Connections workshop series for an opportunity to connect with other families, learn positive parenting strategies, ask questions, and share experiences. Meals, childcare, and free books are provided.

OUPIECE is one of our community partners, The Oakland University and Pontiac Initiative Early Childhood Education (OUPIECE) group is a subgroup of the larger Oakland University and City of Pontiac partnership formed in 2014. Their mission is to enhance the quality and access of early childhood services for children and families through various projects in Pontiac.

Workshop dates:
8/31 from 5 to 6:30 PM
9/28 from 5 to 6:30 PM
10/26 from 5 to 6:30 PM
11/30 from 5 to 6:30 PM
12/14 from 5 to 6:30 PM

All sessions will be held at La Casa Amiga, located at 76 Williams St., Pontiac, MI 48341.

Welcome to Pontiac Family Connections! We are so excited you are considering joining us at La Casa Amiga (76 Williams Street, Pontiac), a workshop series designed for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of young children. All workshops 5:00-6:30. These workshops are a chance to: Connect with other...

08/26/2026

Looking for a fun way to explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others? Two of our upcoming fall programs are FREE for participants through available scholarships!

Artistic Expressions
Let your creativity shine! Artistic Expressions gives participants the opportunity to explore different forms of art, experiment with creative projects, and express themselves in a fun and supportive environment.

Let’s Go On With the Show
Whether you love singing, acting, dancing, telling jokes, sharing fun facts, showing off a favorite collection, or have a unique skill you’re proud of, there’s a place for you on our stage. Over seven weeks, participants will explore different ways to share what makes them special, build confidence, and have fun with fellow performers. We’ll wrap up the program with a final production in the last week where participants can show off their talents and interests for family and friends!

Register and apply for scholarships today! Contact [email protected] with any questions.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19QCxoydartiF-Q68XMG0-5rEyYM3GRQI8LKzhJ1khuQ/edit?tab=t.0

08/25/2026

Facilitator Spotlight: Kelsey K.!

You may know Miss Kelsey from a plethora of OUCARES events and programs throughout the years. Most recently, one of the facilitators of our super popular After Hours Adult Social events! Kelsey is passionate about creating opportunities for participants to explore their interests, build confidence, and express themselves in a fun and supportive environment.

This season, we're excited to announce that Miss Kelsey will be facilitating our brand NEW program, Let's Go on With the Show! From singing and dancing to acting, sharing fun facts, telling jokes, or showcasing a unique interest, there’s a place for every talent and every participant on this stage!

We’re excited to have Kelsey leading this creative and inclusive program and can’t wait to see what our participants bring to the show!

Register online today: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21178_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=6&CATID=13&SINGLESTORE=true

08/24/2026

Our first fall program starts today, which means time is running out to register for ALL programs! There is still a variety of recreational, social, and hands-on programs available for all ages. Scholarships are also available for all remaining programs and cover the full cost of one program per season. Register and apply today before it's too late!

Register: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21178_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=6&CATID=13&SINGLESTORE=true

Scholarships: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19QCxoydartiF-Q68XMG0-5rEyYM3GRQI8LKzhJ1khuQ/edit?tab=t.0

08/24/2026

A huge thank you to Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) for inviting us to speak last week! We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our knowledge and support OLHSA in the incredible work they do for our community and the autism community.

While OUCARES is known for our seasonal programs and summer camps, community outreach is another important part of what we do. From staff trainings to educational presentations on autism, we partner with local organizations to share resources, increase understanding, and promote greater awareness and inclusion.