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| As part of OUCARES' enrichment programs, adults with autism take part in a variety of activities — from playing cards and bowling to learning animation — helping them build lasting connections and social skills. |
Through programs such as bowling leagues, animation workshops and game nights, OUCARES gives adults and children with autism the opportunity to build lasting connections and social skills. It also aids families in learning to deal with autism and get involved in the autism community around OU.
| ENRICHMENT SERIES: Thursday, March 19 - Aging Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Practical Approach or the Future Thursday, April 16 - Josh Stokes: Looking through the eye of the puzzle Thursday, May 14 - The ABCs of ABA All winter 2015 programs Register by emailing oucares@oakland.edu or calling (248) 370-2424. |
“Being able to apply the information they learn will help families to improve their quality of life,” Rohrbeck said. “That is the reason why OUCARES exists, why we do what we do: to improve the quality of life of the individuals impacted by autism."
Other programs, such as the monthly after-hours adult social, give older men and women impacted by ASD the chance to mingle and make lasting friendships.
“It’s nice to meet other people and talk with them,” said Nick Retzlaff, 25, who has attended the social for nearly five years to talk, play games and eat pizza with friends. “I just hope they understand me.”
There are more adults diagnosed with autism than ever before, according to Rohrbeck. OUCARES is on the forefront of offering programs and services designed for this adult population.
"Autism has historically been thought of as a childhood disorder, but we know that this is not reality,” Rohrbeck said. “Children with autism grow up and become adults.”
The Evening Enrichment program will be held in the Oakland Center from 6 to 8 p.m.
Family Fun Day
Swimming, arts and crafts, a moonwalk and caricatures are all part of the Oakland University Center for Autism (OUCARES) annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 28.
Created for families of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, the event will take place from noon - 4 p.m. in the Campus Recreation Center on Oakland University’s campus. Along with other activities, there will be a sensory room staffed by professionals from Kaufman Children's Center. A sensory room is a therapeutic space designed to stimulate the senses through lighting, music and objects. Sensory rooms are often utilized to help individuals with autism and other disorders. In addition, families can meet with representatives from more than 20 organizations and learn about available resources.
The event provides an inclusive atmosphere for people of all ages.
"My favorite part about Family Fun Day is seeing the smiles on the faces of the families who come to take part in the activities” said Kristin Rohrbeck, program coordinator for OUCARES. “It is great for OUCARES to be able to provide a place where people with autism can come and be themselves without feeling judged while having an amazing day swimming, meeting OU's mascot “The Grizz,” getting information and meeting new people."
OUCARES provides a broad range of programs to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The center also encourages the exchange of ideas relating to autism spectrum disorders and fosters improved quality of life for individuals impacted by autism.
For more information, visit oakland.edu/oucares or contact the OUCARES office at (248) 370-2424.