Full Life Academy Classes

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 Winter Term will run for 12 weeks from Monday, January 12th to Saturday, April 4th.

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 fill our the New Participant Interest Form here. Once you have submitted your form, 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).

AutismUp accepts both Self-Direction and Private Pay options. Families are responsible for payment in full of any balance not covered by Self-Directed Funds or for class(es) that have been disqualified by your F.I. The Richard and Nancy Dorschel Family Foundation Scholarship Program makes scholarships available toward one class per semester for eligible families. Scholarship forms are available in the downloads on this page. Invoices will be sent out mid-term to families payingp rivately. Invoices to be covered by Self Direction funding will be sent directly to the FI agency that the family designates. Please always ensure that the available budget can cover the balance due.

**NEW** Adult Golf @ X_Golf

This class introduces the basics of golf in a relaxed, supportive setting. Participants learn fundamental skills such as swinging, connecting with the ball, putting, and choosing the right club while practicing tips to improve aim, distance, and control. The class builds coordination, confidence, and rhythm, making it a fun and low-pressure way to try something new.

$770
Jan 15 - Apr 02
Adult Golf @ X_Golf (18+)

** Session full **

**NEW** Adult Sports Sampler @ JCC

Participants learn multiple sports including basketball, soccer, baseball, and volleyball. Activities take place in professional facilities with all equipment provided. The program builds fitness, teamwork, and discovery of new interests.

$635
Jan 16 - Apr 03
Adult Sports Sampler @ JCC (18+)

** Session full **

**NEW** Comic Art

This class teaches participants to design characters, build story worlds, and create their own comic book. They strengthen communication and digital skills while collaborating with mentors and peers. The program ends with a celebration and printed copies of each participant’s comic.

$800
Jan 15 - Mar 05
Comic Art (18+)

** Session full **

**NEW** My Place Essentials

This instructor-led course provides a high-level overview of key concepts related to independent living, personal safety, and community participation. Through structured group instruction and guided discussion, participants are introduced to topics such as safety awareness, household roles, time use, decision-making frameworks, and an overview of campus and community resources. Content focuses on understanding how these areas are organized and connected rather than examining them in detail. As these topics become relevant at different points in life, some participants choose to revisit the course in a later semester to consider concepts in new contexts. The course is offered in a group learning format and is time-limited by semester.

$635
Jan 16 - Apr 03
My Place Essentials (18+)

** Session full **

**NEW** Plant-Based Cooking

This class explores how fresh, plant-based foods can support both body and mind. Participants learn about colors, flavors, and textures while making fun, hands-on, allergy-friendly recipes. The class provides a safe, engaging space to build kitchen skills and discover how delicious plant-based eating can be.

$770
Jan 15 - Apr 02
Plant- Based Cooking (18+)

** Session full **

Adult Baking (formerly Baking Time & More)

Young adults practice baking techniques and safe kitchen practices. Participants follow recipes, prepare dishes, and share meals. The class supports independence and collaboration.

$770
Jan 13 - Mar 31
Adult Baking I (18+)

** Session full **

$770
Jan 16 - Apr 03
Adult Baking II (18+)

** Session full **

$770
Jan 17 - Apr 04
Adult Baking III (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning On Site

Adult Basketball (formerly Basketball Basics)

Participants learn dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense through drills and group play. Lessons are designed for all skill levels in a fun setting. The program builds confidence and teamwork.

$635
Jan 14 - Apr 01
Adult Basketball (18+)

** Session full **

Fun & Talent Wellness On Site Student

Adult Running @ Nazareth University

An instructor-led class explores the science behind running, focusing on how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. Participants will learn about cardiovascular fitness, muscle function, energy systems, and the physiological benefits of regular running. Through a combination of discussion, demonstrations, and guided practice, students will gain a deeper understanding of endurance, strength, and recovery. The class is designed for all levels and emphasizes safe, effective training techniques to improve performance and overall health.

$635
Jan 12 - Mar 30
Adult Running (18+)

** Session full **

Fun & Talent Wellness Off Site Student

Advanced Cooking (formerly Chef’s Circle)

This hands-on class takes place in a professional kitchen. Participants learn advanced culinary techniques and explore diverse cuisines. The program is ideal for aspiring chefs or food enthusiasts.

$770
Jan 13 - Mar 31
Advanced Cooking (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student

Advocacy & Systems Navigation

This instructor-led course looks at how people speak up in everyday situations and how information moves through common processes. Through structured group instruction and guided discussion, participants learn how to figure out who to go to, how to organize what they want to say, and how to follow the steps that help an issue get addressed. Content highlights that when people learn how to address the issues that affect them, it can also improve outcomes for others in similar situations. The course also looks at how working with groups you’re aligned with can strengthen shared efforts and make it easier for those voices to be heard within established channels. The course is offered in a semester-based format.

$635
Jan 15 - Apr 02
Advocacy & Systems Navigation (18+)

** Session full **

Anime Art (formerly All About Anime)

Participants explore the history and style of anime through drawing and writing. Sessions include character design, storytelling, and collaboration. The program builds artistic skills and creative expression.

$635
Jan 12 - Mar 30
Anime Art (18+)

** Session full **

$635
Jan 16 - Apr 03
Anime Art (18+)

** Session full **

Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections On Site Student

Building Adult Connections

This instructor-led course explores how shared activities create opportunities to connect and stay involved over time. Developing friendships as an adult can be harder than expected, especially when routines are more screen-based and independent, so this course focuses on how in-person connections begin and grow. Through structured discussion and guided planning activities, participants practice starting conversations, noticing everyday social cues, and taking part in group experiences. The course also looks at how people find group opportunities and what supports ongoing involvement. Offered in a group format and time-limited by semester.

$770
Jan 13 - Mar 31
Building Adult Connections I (18+)

** Session full **

$770
Jan 16 - Apr 03
Building Adult Connections II (18+)

** Session full **

$770
Jan 17 - Apr 04
Building Adult Connections III (18+)

** Session full **

Connections Community Engagement On Site Student

Community & Resource Exploration

This instructor-led, group-based course introduces participants to local businesses, organizations, and public resources throughout the Rochester area. Through guided visits, informational tours, and guest presentations, participants learn how these entities serve the public and how their services are organized. Content includes observing different environments, learning about the roles that support daily operations, and discussing how people connect with organizations in their community. Structured activities may include practicing how to ask questions, complete common forms, and take part in typical information-sharing conversations. The course is offered in a semester-based format.

$715
Jan 15 - Apr 02
Community & Resource Exploration (18+)

** Session full **

Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Off Site Student

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.

$770
Jan 12 - Mar 30
Cooking I (18+)

** Session full **

$770
Jan 13 - Mar 31
Cooking II (18+)

** Session full **

$770
Jan 14 - Apr 01
Cooking III (18+)

** Session full **

$770
Jan 16 - Apr 03
Cooking IV (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student

Cooking Essentials

This class teaches participants to build practical, everyday cooking skills to support independence and healthy living. Participants learn to plan meals, read and follow recipes, and practice kitchen safety. The program promotes confidence in the kitchen and supports participants in making decisions that enhance their health and well-being.

$625
Jan 13 - Mar 31
Cooking Essentials I (18+)

** Session full **

Cooking with Small Appliances

This instructor-led cooking course introduces participants to the safe and appropriate use of small kitchen appliances, including air fryers, toaster ovens, and blenders. Through group instruction and guided examples, participants examine kitchen safety concepts, how recipes are structured, and how appliances are used in the preparation of simple meals. Content focuses on understanding safe appliance use, basic food-preparation processes, and meal-planning frameworks within a group learning environment. Different appliances and recipe formats may be introduced in various terms, providing exposure to a range of approaches. The class is offered in a group learning format and is time-limited by session.

$770
Jan 14 - Apr 01
Cooking with Small Appliances I (18+)

** Session full **

$770
Jan 15 - Apr 02
Cooking with Small Appliances II (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student

Creative Art (formerly Creative Expressions)

Participants explore multiple mediums including clay, painting, and collage. Projects are guided but flexible to encourage individual creativity. The program builds new artistic skills in a fun environment.

$670
Jan 12 - Mar 30
Creative Art I (18+)

** Session full **

$670
Jan 14 - Apr 01
Creative Art II (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning On Site Student

Creative Writing (formerly Readers and Writers Workshop)

Participants explore storytelling through short stories, poetry, and skits. Sessions combine individual writing with group collaboration and feedback. The program builds literacy, creativity, and self-expression.

$670
Jan 16 - Apr 03
Creative Writing (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student

Participants explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on experiments. Activities include building with circuits, tools, and creative materials. The class fosters curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

$635
Jan 13 - Mar 31
Everyday STEM (18+)

** Session full **

Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student

Executive Functioning

Participants strengthen time management, organization, and flexible thinking. Sessions provide strategies for planning, problem-solving, and self-regulation. The program supports independence at school, work, and in daily life.

$670
Jan 15 - Apr 02
Executive Functioning (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student

Executive Functioning: Social Skills

Participants build the cognitive and communication skills needed for successful social interactions. Participants learn to pause, reflect, manage emotions, and consider different perspectives using evidence-based strategies and role-play exercises. The class fosters confidence and self-awareness to form friendships, handle conflict, and navigate social situations effectively.

$670
Jan 17 - Apr 04
Executive Functioning: Social Skills (18+)

** Session full **

Financial Literacy: Personal Finance Concepts

This instructor-led course introduces foundational personal finance concepts encountered in daily life. Through group instruction and guided examples, participants examine budgeting frameworks, banking systems, credit, common financial terminology, consumer awareness, and how financial decisions are structured within modern economic systems. Content focuses on understanding financial tools, safeguards, and decision-making frameworks rather than individualized money management or personal financial planning. As financial topics become relevant at different points in life, some participants choose to revisit the course in a later semester to focus on concepts that are newly applicable. The class is offered in a group learning format and is time-limited by semester.

$715
Jan 14 - Apr 01
Financial Literacy (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Earning My Way Lifelong Learning On Site Student

Friendships & Relationship Concepts

This course examines common relationship concepts encountered in workplace, community, and social settings. Through structured group discussion and case-based examples, participants explore how friendships and peer relationships form, are understood, and are influenced by social context. Topics may include levels of friendships, communication patterns, boundaries, shared interests, and how relationships are represented in everyday environments and media. Instruction focuses on understanding relationship concepts.

$635
Jan 12 - Mar 30
Friendships & Relationship Concepts @ Nazareth University (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections Off Site Student

Functional Fitness

Participants engage in strength, endurance, and flexibility exercises. Staff guide safe use of equipment while building confidence. The class supports independence and daily living readiness through fitness.

$635
Jan 12 - Mar 30
Functional Fitness I @ Nazareth University (18+)

** Session full **

$635
Jan 13 - Mar 31
Functional Fitness II (18+)

** Session full **

$635
Jan 14 - Apr 01
Functional Fitness III (18+)

** Session full **

$635
Jan 16 - Apr 03
Functional Fitness IV @ JCC (18+)

** Session full **

Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student

Fundamentals of Bowling

Location: Bowl-A-Roll Lanes 1560 Jefferson Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 This instructor-led course provides structured instruction in bowling fundamentals. Each session includes guided instruction on technique, scoring, lane etiquette, and basic game strategy, followed by instructor-supervised practice used to apply the concepts presented. The instructor leads sessions through skill demonstrations, group instruction, and review of rules and scoring conventions as they arise. Content focuses on understanding the mechanics of the sport, standard gameplay procedures, and the terminology associated with bowling. The course is offered in a group learning format and is time-limited by semester.

$770
Jan 14 - Apr 01
Fundamentals of Bowling (18+)

** Session full **

Fun & Talent Community Engagement Off Site Student

Healthy Relationships

This course introduces key concepts related to relationships in social and community contexts. Participants engage in group discussion and guided examples to examine communication patterns, boundaries, and how relationships are shaped by media, culture, and social environments. Topics may include social media, dating representations, and identity in public discourse. The course emphasizes understanding relationship concepts in a group learning setting and is time-limited by semester.

$635
Jan 12 - Mar 30
Healthy Relationships (18+)

** Session full **

Wellness Connections On Site

HydroMoves @ Jewish Community Center

This swim class provides a low-impact, full-body workout suitable for all skill levels. Participants build cardiovascular strength, improve muscle tone, and increase balance and flexibility through guided water-based activities. The class offers a calm, supportive environment that promotes physical wellness and social connection.

$715
Jan 16 - Apr 03
HydroMoves (18+)

** Session full **

Music Production (formerly The Recording Studio Experience)

Participants explore music creation and studio recording. Sessions cover songwriting, mixing, and producing original tracks. The class builds confidence and skills in digital music-making.

$670
Jan 15 - Apr 02
Music Production (18+)

** Session full **

Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Community Engagement On Site Off Site

This instructor-led course offers a more detailed examination of foundational concepts related to independent living, personal safety, and community participation. Through structured group instruction and guided discussion, participants explore budgeting concepts, housing options, time management, decision-making models, and how campus and community resources are coordinated and used within broader systems. Instruction emphasizes understanding how independent living systems, supports, and safety considerations function and interact, rather than practicing individualized daily living or safety skills. Because these topics often become relevant at different points in life, some participants choose to revisit the course in a later semester to focus on concepts that are newly applicable. The course is offered in a group learning format and is time-limited by semester.

$635
Jan 12 - Mar 30
My Place @ Nazareth University (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Earning My Way Community Engagement On Site Student

Navigating Nature @ Equicenter

Explore the outdoors with Navigating Nature, a hands-on program in partnership with EquiCenter! Enjoy activities like making beeswax salve, crafting seed paper, maple candy making, planting, gardening, and hiking and more. Learn about nature, animal safety, local wildlife, and observation skills while building confidence, fitness, and community connections

$780
Sep 11 - Dec 18
Navigating Nature @ Equicenter (18+)

** Session full **

Wellness Getting Around Connections Community Engagement Off Site

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.

free
Jan 13 - Jan 13
Managing your Government Benefits

** Session full **

free
Feb 10 - Feb 10
Utilizing the Family Guide to Transition Planning

** Session full **

free
Mar 10 - Mar 10
Learn How NY ABLE, Achieving a Better Life Experience account, can help you save without losing benefit

** Session full **

On Site Parent / Guardian / Caregiver

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.

$770
Jan 14 - Apr 01
Photography (18+)

** Session full **

Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Community Engagement Off Site

Ready, Set, Succeed!

This instructor-led, one-to-one course provides structured lessons to strengthen planning, organization, task initiation, follow-through, and completion of real-world responsibilities. This time-limited course includes modeling, guided practice, role-playing, visual supports, structured routines, and real-life application. Participants learn practical tools that support decision-making, problem solving, time management, and greater confidence in managing daily routines.

$700
Jan 12 - Apr 04
Ready, Set, Succeed! (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Virtual On Site Student

Safety Awareness

Participants learn personal safety strategies with guidance from local first responders. Sessions include hands-on activities and role-plays. The program builds confidence, awareness, and readiness.

$670
Jan 15 - Apr 02
Safety Awareness (18+)

** Session full **

My Home Wellness 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

Downloads