OU Program Finds Creative, Recreational Way to Support Autism

Inside a Rochester Hills bowling alley on any given Saturday morning, a group of teens and adults are learning a lot more than how to throw strikes and spares.

Just ask Sarah Stark. The senior is helping lead the group of future bowling enthusiasts through OUCares, also known as Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support.

Stark is studying special education and volunteers with OUCares to gain experience in her field. On mornings like today, this volunteer work is giving her much more than field training.

"These individuals are teaching me a lot more than I could ever teach them," Stark said in between offering cheers and high-fives to the bowlers.

'Truly making a difference'

The bowling league, which takes place Saturday mornings at , is part of what makes OUCares unique: The organization is based, in part, on recreation programs. OUCares also offers basketball, soccer, golf, martial arts and painting, among other classes.

"We are one of few organizations like this that uses recreation programs," said Karen Chandler, director of the 8-year-old organization. "There's a reason for that. Sure, it teaches bowling. But it's also teaching independence and socialization. My vision would be that after this league, these individuals could go into a bowling alley on their own and sign up for a league."

OUCares helps 1,500 families from across Oakland County and as far as Ann Arbor. Its mission is to promote understanding and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder through education, research and support and to imrpove quality of life for people impacted by ASD.

It is known for its summer film camp (which is led by Joey Travolta), as well as other summer camps and community symposiums.

OUCares is staffed by about 50 volunteer OU students like Stark.

Bowling, in particular, was chosen for the program because of its ability to be individualized. It's a repetitive sport and one that also gives instant gratification and feedback to its players. 

"The feedback I'm getting is that this is truly making a difference. I see it on their faces," Chandler said. "They are interacting. I see it in the way they've grown as bowlers, too: when we started this program, the bumpers were all up. Now, they are throwing strikes and spares."

About the bowling

Brian Light is a professional bowler and the coach of the group.

Light, of Rochester Hills, said he took the OUCares bowling league on, at first, as a volunteer project. But, like Stark, it wasn't long before he felt that it was a volunteer duty that was giving him more in return.

"It has been a challenge, because all of these inividuals learn differently," said Light, a former electrical engineer. "Each one of them has a gift. But I really feel like I am making a difference. One participant talked for the first time during this program."

Linda LaPlace has been bringing her son, 15-year-old Logan, to the bowling league all winter. LaPlace, of Ortonville, praised OUCares, which her family has been a part of for the past four years.

"It has been great, and it's a great way to keep Logan busy," she said.

For more about OUCares, including a schedule of upcoming programs and recreation opportunities, visit www.oakland.edu/oucares/ or call (248) 370-4233.