DETROIT – Local businesses have put together activities suited specifically for children with autism. This gives families the opportunity to get their kids involved in local activities and socialize with other children.
Here are some of the local activities:
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OU Cares Annual Family Fun Day at Oakland University
The Oakland University Center for Autism Research celebrates its annual Family Fun Day for 2012 on March 31st, 2012 from noon-4p.
Some of the activities planned at the event include: swimming, arts and crafts, bouncers, caricatures and a sensory room. Not only is it fun for all kids, there are numerous booths where you can learn about Michigan Autism resources.
The free event is located on the campus of Oakland University at the recreation center.
Autism Spectrum Bowling League
Classic Lanes and OUCARES launch bowling league for persons with autism and autism spectrum disorders. Classic Lanes in Rochester Hills has teamed up with OUCARES (Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support) to form a bowling league for individuals ages 16-plus on the autism spectrum. This opportunity will allow ASD students (over 16) and adults to enhance physical activity in a social, community setting.
The Spring League begins April 14 and runs through June 16, 2012.
The $45 cost for the autism spectrum (ASD) bowling league includes:
2 games of bowling each week
free use of bowling ball
free bowling shoes rental
awards party at the end of the season
3:1 ratio of staff to bowlers
Please Contact Chris Murray, Community Relations Director for Classic Lanes, with any questions at 248-227-3994.
Sensory Friendly Films - AMC Theatres
AMC Theatres has teamed up with the Autism Society of America to present sensory friendly films. Families affected by autism and other disabilities can enjoy movies in a safe and accepting environment during the monthly Sensory Friendly Films program. These movies will feature lowered sound and dim lighting. Patrons can bring their own gluten-free or casein-free snacks and the kids can "dance, walk, shout or sing" or move about the aisles. No previews or advertisements will be shown before the movies. The movies are geared toward children ages 5 & up and showings begin at 10am. The cost is $5.
AMC Forum 30
44681 Mound Road
Sterling Hts, Michigan
AMC Star Gratiot 21
35705 Gratiot Avenue
Clinton Township, Michigan
AMC Livonia 20
19500 Haggerty Rd
Livonia, Michigan
Upcoming Sensory Friendly Film showings:
February 25th, 2012 - The Secret World of Arrietty
March 10th, 2012 - Dr. Seuss' The Lorax
April 7th, 2012 - Pirates! Band of Misfits
Buddy Baseball - Special Needs Baseball in Clarkston, Michigan
Buddy Baseball is a non-competitive, recreational sports league in Oakland County for boys and girls ages 7-13 with special needs. Each player will be paired with a "buddy" to assist as needed. This special needs baseball league program is hosted by Independence Township Parks & Recreation. This program is open to all. Click here for more info on the Buddy Baseball Special Needs Baseball League for children. http://www.oaklandcountymoms.com/health/special-needs/1954-buddy-baseball-special-needs-baseball-league
TOPSoccer - Soccer League for players with disabilities
TOPSoccer was created to train young people with disabilities in a caring coaching environment to play soccer; to serve as a feeder program to recruit, assess and train players to participate in competitions offered by existing sports organizations for people with disabilities; and to mainstream higher ability players onto regular youth soccer teams. TOP Soccer is available to any boy or girl aged 4-19 with a physical or mental disability. Click here for more info on TOPSoccer hosted by Rochester Soccer Club (RSC/RYSL). http://www.rysl.com/TOPSoccer/topsoccer.htm
About the author:
Lisa LaGrou is the founder of OaklandCountyMoms.com. She and her team work to present quality content to their readers. Lisa likes to provide information and options for families about a myriad of topics without preaching or condoning. If she experiences something, she want to share it. If she doesn't know about something, she tries to find information to share. She's delighted when people contact her with suggestions about content and resources. For more information on how to become a member of Oakland County Moms click HERE