Full Life Academy Classes

Refine your options

Do you have questions about transitioning into adulthood and what comes next? AutismUp's Center for Community Transition can help! Would you like to learn more about the Full Life Academy, and how our innovative classes will help you address your personal goals for lifelong skill development? Would you like to learn more about a particular class? We'd love to talk with you and share how AutismUp can help.

Contact: Jeanne Ricigliano
Director, AutismUp Center for Community Transition
Tel: (585) 248-9011 x123
Email: jricigliano@autismup.org

The Fall Term will run for 14 weeks from Monday, September 8th to Saturday, December 20th. There will be NO classes the week of 11/24-11/29 for Thanksgiving Break.

If you have previously participated in AutismUp classes and have an active Participant Portal account please log in and register for classes in the AutismUp Participant Portal. If you are new to AutismUp or do not have an existing account, please register here. Once you have submitted your registration, someone will be in touch with you about the next steps in the process!

What Classes is my child/am I enrolled in? Check My Educational Activities on the AutismUp Participant Portal. CLICK HERE to access the portal. Use the login info emailed to you (email will not work to sign in).

**NEW** HydroMoves (formerly Rec Swim)
Dive into a refreshing blend of fitness and relaxation with our recreational swim class. Designed for all levels, this class offers a low-impact, full-body workout that promotes cardiovascular health, muscle tone, balance and flexibility. Enjoy the calming benefits of the water while staying active in a stress-free, social environment.
  • $760
  • Sep 12 - Dec 19
  • HydroMoves
    • ** Session full **
Adult Connections
Adult Connections is a social learning class designed to help adults build essential communication, problem-solving, and community navigation skills. Participants learn and practice real-world social skills such as conversation, teamwork, and self-advocacy through guided instruction, group discussions, and structured role-play activities. Each session focuses on a specific topic—such as making introductions, managing group interactions, handling unexpected situations, or planning shared activities—that supports independence and confidence in everyday community settings. Lessons are taught through interactive exercises that help participants generalize skills from class to daily life.
  • $815
  • Sep 09 - Dec 16
  • Adult Connections I
    • ** Session full **
  • $815
  • Sep 19 - Dec 19
  • Adult Connections II
    • ** Session full **
  • $815
  • Sep 20 - Dec 20
  • Adult Connections III
    • ** Session full **
Connections Community Engagement On Site Student
All About Anime
​All About Anime will explore the genre of Anime including the history, common features and writing and drawing characteristics. Participants will be able to share about their personal interests in Anime, create their own characters and writings. The facilitator will guide participants through the process and encourage collaboration.
  • $675
  • Sep 08 - Dec 15
  • All About Anime I **Time Change
    • ** Session full **
  • $675
  • Sep 12 - Dec 19
  • All About Anime II
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections On Site Student
Baking Time & More
Baking Time is a class for young adults to introduce baking concepts, kitchen safety and more. Participants in this class will gain confidence and increase independence in the kitchen while learning to follow a recipe as they whip up delicious dishes together. While working with peers, social skills and team building skills are also developed!
  • $815
  • Sep 09 - Dec 16
  • Baking Time & More I
    • ** Session full **
  • $815
  • Sep 12 - Dec 19
  • Baking Time and More II
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning On Site
Basketball Basics
Basketball Basics will provide participants with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basketball in a supportive and fun environment. Students will develop their skills in areas such as passing, dribbling, shooting, and defense, among others. Through individual and group-based drills, participants will build confidence and teamwork while improving their abilities. The class will also feature friendly games designed to encourage cooperation, a healthy competitive spirit, and social interaction. All activities will be adapted to meet the needs of every participant.
  • $675
  • Sep 10 - Dec 17
  • Basketball Basics
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness On Site Student
Bowling League **Time Change
Location: Bowl-A-Roll Lanes 1560 Jefferson Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 This engaging and inclusive bowling league is designed for participants of all skill levels who are looking to enjoy friendly competition, improve their bowling game, and make new friends! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bowler, this class provides a supportive environment to develop skills like hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
  • $815
  • Sep 10 - Dec 17
  • Bowling League
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Community Engagement Off Site Student
Chefs Circle @ The Commissary
Join Chef's Circle, a hands-on culinary class designed to inspire and cultivate your passion for cooking in a professional commissary kitchen setting. Perfect for aspiring chefs, food entrepreneurs, and culinary enthusiasts, this class offers a unique opportunity to learn essential kitchen skills, explore diverse cuisines, and master the art of creating dishes with finesse.
  • $815
  • Sep 09 - Dec 16
  • Chefs Circle
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Cooking
Participants learn to build skills toward independence in healthy meal planning, reading and following a recipe; and kitchen safety. Participants will learn how to use these skills to make a healthy snack, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
  • $815
  • Sep 08 - Dec 15
  • Cooking I
    • ** Session full **
  • $815
  • Sep 09 - Dec 16
  • Cooking II
    • ** Session full **
  • $815
  • Sep 10 - Dec 17
  • Cooking III
    • ** Session full **
  • $815
  • Sep 12 - Dec 19
  • Cooking IV
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Cooking with Small Appliances
Join us in learning how to create simple, everyday meals with small appliances, such as an air fryer, toaster oven, blender and skillet. Participants will work collaboratively with instructors and peers to create budget friendly and nutritious meals & learn innovative ways to use small appliances for meal planning.
  • $815
  • Sep 10 - Dec 17
  • Cooking with Small Appliances I
    • ** Session full **
  • $815
  • Sep 11 - Dec 18
  • Cooking with Small Appliances II
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Creative Expressions
Creative Expressions is an interactive class that provides individuals the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic and creative mediums. Lesson plans will incorporate a variety of projects including, but not limited to the following areas: canvas art, clay, acrylic and watercolor painting, decoupage, optical art, holiday décor, ceramics, beadwork, collages, mosaics and more. Work along with our instructors and celebrate your creativity.
  • $710
  • Sep 08 - Dec 15
  • Creative Expressions I
    • ** Session full **
  • $710
  • Sep 10 - Dec 17
  • Creative Expressions II
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Empower U
Empower U is a personal development class that teaches self-advocacy, decision-making, and goal-setting skills to help participants navigate adulthood with greater confidence and independence. Through guided instruction, group discussion, and scenario-based learning, participants explore practical topics such as communicating needs, understanding personal rights and responsibilities, managing daily routines, and making informed choices. This class focuses on building transferable life and communication skills that support success in any environment. It provides structured instruction and peer-supported practice to strengthen self-awareness, resilience, and independence.
  • $675
  • Sep 11 - Dec 18
  • EmpowerU
    • ** Session full **
Everyday STEM
Everyday STEM is an engaging and participant driven class in which individuals will engage in solving everyday challenges through the use of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Participants will have the opportunity to develop 21st century skills of thinking critically, being creative and communicating and collaborating with others. They will be invited to explore a variety of materials such as legos, copper tape, wires, circuit boards, simple tools and more. Participants will be exposed to different areas of science and get to meet and interact with professionals in the science and engineering field. They will be supported with skills such as learning about current issues, planning out solutions, building and testing. If you are interested in the science field, you enjoy hands-on experiences and conducting experiments, this is the class for you!
  • $675
  • Sep 12 - Dec 19
  • Everyday STEM **Time Change
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Executive Functioning
The Executive Functioning class will support participants in identifying their strengths and needs. Participants will develop their skills in the area of time management, setting goals and prioritizing tasks, organization, identifying feelings and working on self-regulation, as well as becoming flexible thinkers. This class meets 2 times a week for 6 weeks.
  • $720
  • Sep 11 - Dec 18
  • Executive Functioning
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Executive Functioning: Social Skills
In this interactive, hands-on class, you will strengthen the cognitive skills essential for successful social interactions. By exploring the context and meaning behind social behaviors, you’ll be empowered to make informed choices in your communication. Using evidence-based strategies, you will learn how to pause and reflect before responding, resist inappropriate social impulses, consider different perspectives, and manage your emotions during conversations. The class features role-plays and perspective-taking exercises, giving you practical opportunities to rehearse social skills, receive immediate feedback, and better understand others’ viewpoints. If you want to learn how to make and maintain friendships, as well as handle conflict and rejection, this class will equip you to navigate social situations effectively while staying true to yourself.
  • $720
  • Sep 13 - Dec 20
  • Executive Functioning: Social Skills
    • ** Session full **
Financial Literacy
Students learn to manage their money more effectively, spend wisely and save consistently. This class will teach students how to budget their money, make positive financial decisions, avoid financial exploitation, and equip them with technology resources to more effectively manage and monitor their finances.
  • $760
  • Sep 10 - Dec 17
  • Financial Literacy I
    • ** Session full **
  • $760
  • Sep 13 - Dec 20
  • Financial Literacy II
    • ** Session full **
My Home Earning My Way Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Full Life Coaching
Participants will receive individualized instruction in a one–to–one setting. Each session is 30 minutes long. During these classes we will focus on developing and sustaining executive functioning skills to increase independence such as time management, organization, flexibility, as well as practicing strategies to help with self-regulation. Full Life Coaching is open to all individuals. 16+ Virtual and in-person is available.
  • $745
  • Sep 08 - Dec 20
  • Full Life Coaching
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Virtual On Site Student
Functional Fitness
Functional Fitness is a fun and healthy way to start your day! This interactive and engaging class is designed to teach individuals a combination of both strength training and endurance. Individuals will learn and practice a variety of innovative exercises in a group and social setting, with options to individualize workouts to maximum results. Work alongside our fitness staff as you build confidence, learn the appropriate and safe techniques of utilizing equipment, and becoming a healthier individual!
  • $675
  • Sep 08 - Dec 15
  • Functional Fitness I
    • ** Session full **
  • $675
  • Sep 09 - Dec 16
  • Functional Fitness II
    • ** Session full **
  • $675
  • Sep 10 - Dec 17
  • Functional Fitness III
    • ** Session full **
  • $675
  • Sep 19 - Dec 19
  • Functional Fitness IV @ JCC
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Healthy Lifestyles **Time Change
Healthy Lifestyles will provide participants the opportunity to be reflective about their current lifestyle choices. Instructors will work with participants to understand how health and wellness impact them as a whole person. The focus areas will be on diet and exercise, sleep and relaxation habits, media balance and planning for social and fulfilling activities.
  • $675
  • Sep 11 - Dec 18
  • Healthy Lifestyles
    • ** Session full **
Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site
Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships provides a safe and inclusive environment to explore topics such as hygiene, sexuality, sexual health, and boundaries. This class offers an introduction to navigating intimate relationships and safety for individuals 16+.
  • $675
  • Sep 08 - Dec 15
  • Healthy Relationships
    • ** Session full **
Wellness Connections On Site
My Place
Having our own space makes us feel good, but it can also be a lot to manage. Through guided lesson plans and facilitation that focuses on individual skill levels we will use scenarios, peer feedback and teachable moments to increase safety awareness, home management skills and problem solving across the home setting (environment). My Place will also support short term and long term goal setting (as a way to plan for future independence and community living; with a focus on living options, safety, self-advocacy, budgeting and individual skill development).
  • $675
  • Sep 08 - Dec 15
  • My Place I @Nazareth University
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Sep 12 - Dec 19
  • My Place II
    • ** Session full **
My Home Earning My Way Community Engagement On Site Student
Navigating Nature
Navigating Nature is an interactive class that invites participants to explore the natural beauty of Rochester’s local parks, trails, and outdoor spaces, promoting healthier lifestyles. Lessons cover nature safety, wildlife identification, and animal behavior observation.
  • $825
  • Sep 11 - Dec 18
  • Navigating Nature
    • ** Session full **
Wellness Getting Around Connections Community Engagement Off Site
Navigating Relationships
Relationships can be tricky but also rewarding. Through guided reflection, group discussions, and activities, we'll explore how relationships can be challenging for all of us. As a result of this course, participants will be able to describe and practice various strategies to navigate complex social relationships, situations, and scenarios. Some of the selected topics will include social media, dating/romance, and identity.
  • $590
  • Sep 08 - Dec 15
  • Navigating Relationships
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections Off Site Student
NextUp Workshops
Join other parents of teens and young adults and professionals to learn more about the transition out of school, and setting up your child for adult success.
On Site Parent / Guardian / Caregiver
Photography
Discover the art of photography while connecting with Rochester’s creative community. Learn composition, lighting, and editing techniques through hands-on projects that inspire self-expression and collaboration. Build confidence, creativity, and friendships while developing your own original works of art.
  • $815
  • Sep 10 - Dec 17
  • Photography
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Community Engagement Off Site
Readers and Writers Workshop
Writers and Readers workshop is a creative writing class for all levels. Participants will have the opportunity to work both collaboratively and independently to write short stories, poems and skits. The instructor will guide participants through the decision making process and facilitate peer to peer feedback.
  • $715
  • Sep 11 - Dec 18
  • Writers and Readers Workshop
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
ROC Behind the Scenes
Have you wondered what happens behind the scenes in a local business? This class will enable participants to explore behind the scenes in a variety of local businesses and destinations in our community.
  • $760
  • Sep 11 - Dec 18
  • ROC Behind the Scenes
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Off Site Student
Run for Fun
The Run for Fun class will be specifically for adults in our Full Life Academy program. In the class participants will engage in the sport of running in a supportive community. We will set personal goals, learn about conditioning and stretching, running form and strategies to improve running and meet personal goals. We will ultimately choose a community 5k to run in together.
  • $675
  • Sep 08 - Dec 15
  • Run for Fun
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Off Site Student
Safety Awareness **Time Change
The course promotes essential safety skills across many key areas including home safety, public safety, proper use of safety equipment, and lifesaving skills. Through interactive discussions, visual supports, and real life practical application, participants will learn how to recognize unsafe situations, make informed decisions, and seek help when needed. Topics include setting personal boundaries, recognizing and avoiding potential dangers, handling emergencies and medical procedures, navigating public spaces, using equipment, controlling hazardous situations, and development of risk management assessments. The course emphasizes practical skills and confidence-building to support greater independence and self-advocacy in everyday life.
  • $675
  • Sep 11 - Dec 18
  • Safety Awareness
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student
The Recording Studio Experience
Are you looking for a unique opportunity to unleash your creativity and explore the world of music composition and recording? Then this class is perfect for you! Dive into the world of music creation with our hands-on course, "The Recording Studio Experience" This class is designed for aspiring composers and musicians who want to explore both composition and recording. In this course, you'll learn how to bring your musical ideas to life by recording your own compositions. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore your passion for music! 12+
  • $815
  • Sep 11 - Dec 18
  • The Recording Studio Experience
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Community Engagement On Site Off Site
Zoo Life
This exciting and interactive class provides individuals the opportunity to learn alongside their peers from our very own Seneca Park Zoo education team. This class is designed to teach all aspects of the Zoo. Representatives from the Zoo will provide information/teachings, including but not limited to, how animals are acquired, cared for and trained; Zoo’s connection with the community; becoming comfortable/safe around animals; and how local conservation efforts are vital to species globally. Building confidence/comfort around animals, relationships and social readiness, and learning the many aspects and knowledge of the Seneca Park Zoo are just a few goals of the dynamic class of Zoo Life!
  • $760
  • Sep 10 - Dec 17
  • Zoo Life
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student

ENROLL TODAY!

Contact us to learn more about the AU Full Life Academy and to discuss enrollment options.

email: jricigliano@autismup.org
phone: (585) 248-9011x123

Full Life Academy Registration

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