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Full Life Academy Classes

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click hereDo 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

Fall Term 2023 Registration is Open

Fall Term is September 17 - December 23, 2023 and offers in-person and virtual group classes at AutismUp:

In-Person Group Classes: My Place • Cooking Basics • Full Life Connections • Creative Expressions • ROC Behind the Scenes • Functional Fitness • Navigating Nature • Body Mind Connections • Cooking with Small Appliances • Ready, Set, Goals! • Financial Literacy • All About Anime • Safety Awareness • Executive Functioning • Writers and Readers Workshop • Everyday STEM

Virtual Classes: Empower U • Full Life Coaching 1:1

Register here.

  • To update your existing FORMS (such as Health history, Allergies, Support profile, etc), log in to the AutismUp Family Dashboard.
  • If you are new to AutismUp, you must first create a family profile by completing the Family Enrollment Form.
Already Registered? click here to learn How to check your participant's class schedule

Watch a video tutorial of the new registration process.

Aerial Arts
This free form class will allow participants to go at their own pace, while possibly overcoming certain fears, gaining trust and experiencing the pure joy that is the aerial arts. While using a number of different circus apparatuses, such as the hammocks, silks and hoops, they will experience a variety of poses and techniques to achieve and allow their confidence and creativity to soar while getting a fantastic workout!
Fun & Talent Wellness Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student
All About Anime. *New Time
​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.
  • $515
  • Sep 18 - Dec 18
  • All About Anime: Mondays (5-6p)
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections On Site Student
Body-Mind Connections
Body-Mind Connections is a class designed to teach individuals how to identify their physical/body awareness and well-being as it relates to mindfulness, wellness, and overall health. Using methods such as self-awareness through journaling, meditation, vision boards, stress relief (stress balls, mindfulness jars, painting, etc.), music, breathing exercises, visualization, body scanning and setting intentions for self. Improving overall health and self-care, building confidence and relationships are just a few goals of Body-Mind Connections!
  • $540
  • Sep 19 - Dec 19
  • Body-Mind Connections: Tuesdays (3p-3:50p)
    • ** Session full **
Wellness On Site Student
Cooking Basics
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.
  • $625
  • Sep 19 - Dec 19
  • Cooking Basics I: Tuesdays (11a- 1p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $625
  • Sep 20 - Dec 20
  • Cooking Basics II: Wednesdays (10a - 12p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $625
  • Sep 22 - Dec 22
  • Cooking Basics III: Fridays (10:30a - 12:30p)
    • ** 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.
  • $585
  • Sep 21 - Dec 21
  • Cooking with Small Appliances I: Thursdays (10:30a-12p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $585
  • Sep 23 - Dec 23
  • Cooking with Small Appliances II: Saturdays (10-11:30a). *Additional Class
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Create, Connect, Explore
​Create, Connect, Explore is a class that offers individuals the opportunity to explore and build on their creativity utilizing various art mediums. Inspiration will be offered and gained from considering historic works by past artists. Individual creations can then be discussed with peers in a positive light of affirmation in short, informal critiques before moving on to a new style or medium. Pencil, marker, cut and torn paper are just a few of the art tools we'll be exploring our creativity with. Work alongside our instructors as they demonstrate and teach individuals throughout the entire process. Individuals will have the opportunity to showcase their hard work with an art exhibition at the Golisano Autism Center!
Fun & Talent On Site
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 our instructors and celebrate your creativity.
  • $585
  • Sep 18 - Dec 18
  • Creative Expressions I: Mondays (1:30p-3p). *New Time
    • ** Session full **
  • $585
  • Sep 20 - Dec 20
  • Creative Expressions II: Wednesdays (3p-4:30p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning On Site Student
EMPOWER U (Virtual)
Get charged up for your full life! Empower U is a virtual class that will provide individuals the necessary tools to tackle real life challenges. This class will offer engaging group discussions to include topics such as communication, managing stress, improving relationships, making small talk to build connections, self-advocacy and problem solving. If you are ready to take charge of your life, this class is for you.
  • $515
  • Sep 19 - Dec 19
  • EMPOWER U (Virtual): Tuesdays 4:00p-4:50p
    • ** Session full **
Wellness Getting Around Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Virtual Student
Everyday STEM
Every Day STEM is an engaging and participant driven class in which individuals will develop a Project Based Learning experience around solving a global or community based problem. Participants will learn about the engineering design process, circuitry, sustainability and model building. Individuals will be guided through the process and will be able to practice planning, time management, problem solving and collaboration. Learning about current issues, problem solving through science and technology and working with others are a few goals of Everyday STEM.
  • $585
  • Sep 20 - Dec 20
  • Everyday STEM: Wednesdays (5:45-7:15p)
    • ** 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.
  • $515
  • Sep 23 - Dec 23
  • Executive Functioning (Saturdays: 9-9:50a)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
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.
  • $585
  • Sep 20 - Dec 20
  • Financial Literacy I: Wednesdays (5-6:30p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $585
  • Sep 23 - Dec 23
  • Financial Literacy II: Saturdays (10a- 11:30a)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Earning My Way Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Full Life Coaching (Individual) in-person or virtual
Full Life Coaching is a personalized, goal driven class guided by our talented instructors. The classes are designed to interconnect in a variety of ways. Participants will receive coaching in individualized need areas such as Executive Functioning, reading, writing and communication skills. Coaches will create and connect the participants with meaningful and relevant experiences. Full Life Coaching individual classes take a focused, personal approach to helping individuals create and reach their individualized goals.
  • $570
  • Sep 17 - Dec 23
  • Full Life Coaching (Individual) in-person or virtual (30 minute sessions)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Full Life Connections
Full Life Connections is a comprehensive social skills class that provides students the opportunity to meet new people, find common interests, and enjoy fun activities with peers. In this class students will be taught how to improve executive functioning skills, team building, effective communication, and problem solving.
  • $625
  • Sep 22 - Dec 22
  • Full Life Connections I: Fridays (1p - 3p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $625
  • Sep 23 - Dec 23
  • Full Life Connections II: Saturdays (12p - 2p)
    • ** Session full **
Connections Community Engagement 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!
  • $515
  • Sep 19 - Dec 19
  • Functional Fitness I: Tuesdays (10a-10:50a)
    • ** Session full **
  • $515
  • Sep 20 - Dec 20
  • Functional Fitness II: Wednesdays (12p-12:50p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $515
  • Sep 21 - Dec 21
  • Functional Fitness III: Thursdays (9:30a-10:20a)
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Gardening
Learn how to plan and plant a garden. Participants will learn what tools they need, what plants are best for growing in our region, garden design, and garden maintenance. This class will also teach students how to create a web building platform that will allow them to document their gardening experience.
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Off Site
Introduction to Computer Programming & Game Design. *NEW DATES & TIMES
This class provides individuals the opportunity to enjoy a fun tech experience with different coding platforms that incorporate math, physics, art & music. Participants will learn computer programming skills by building their own custom games at their own pace based on interest & skill level. Individuals will be challenged each week to build on their coding projects and will be encouraged to collaborate with their peers and present their projects to the class at the end of the program. A great opportunity for individuals with common interest in technology to learn and practice their social/engagement and presentation skills in a fun and interactive setting!
Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Connections On Site Student
Level Up
​Level Up provides individuals the opportunity to connect, socialize, and engage with peers through the platform of video gaming. Individuals will be challenged each week as a new social theme will be introduced and explored through instructional conversational/discussion and then reinforced through hands-on experience through the video game setting alongside peers. Level Up is a great opportunity for individuals to learn and practice their social/engagement skills in a fun and interactive setting!
Fun & Talent 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).
  • $515
  • Sep 18 - Dec 18
  • My Place I: Mondays (12p - 12:50p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $515
  • Sep 20 - Dec 20
  • My Place II: Wednesdays (2p - 2:50p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Earning My Way Community Engagement On Site Student
Navigating Nature
Navigating Nature is an exciting and interactive class that will allow individuals the opportunity to explore several outdoor education opportunities in the Rochester area to encourage healthier lifestyles. Lesson plans are designed to teach participants a variety of aspects including safety surrounding nature and animal life, and learning to identify the many experiences of nature. Individuals will have an opportunity to become comfortable with some of our local wildlife and observing animal behavior in their natural habitat. We all want to have a healthier lifestyle and why not enjoy our own community while being safe and exercising at the same time! Building confidence, relationships, personal safety, nature awareness, and fitness are just a few goals of Navigating Nature!
  • $585
  • Sep 18 - Dec 18
  • Navigating Nature: Mondays (10a-11:30a)
    • ** 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.
  • $450
  • Sep 18 - Dec 18
  • Navigating Relationships: Mondays (9a - 9:50a)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections On Site Student
Next Up Parent Workshops
Join other parents of teens and young adults to learn more about the transition out of school, and setting up your child for adult success.
  • free
  • Oct 09 - Oct 09
  • Transition Basics
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Nov 13 - Nov 13
  • Advance 2 Apprenticeship - Linking training to employment
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Dec 11 - Dec 11
  • Full Life Academy Overview
    • ** Session full **
On Site Parent / Guardian / Caregiver
Nurture with Nature
Nurture with Nature is a class that will introduce individuals to basic skincare. Each class we will use natural ingredients to learn how to make your very own skincare travel kit! Lesson plans will include simple regimens for skin, hair and body care along with how to use each product at home. Building confidence, relationships, personal and self-care are just a few goals of Nurture with Nature!
Wellness On Site Student
Plugged-In
Plugged-In is a comprehensive technology class that uses a variety of experiences to provide individuals the opportunity to meet new people, find common interests, be peer mentors, and enjoy fun activities. Individuals will learn about various technologies and/or technology skills, including but not limited to 3-D Printing, Audio/Video Editing, Virtual Reality, Graphic Design, Content Creation and introduction to Computer Repair.
My Home Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student
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.
  • $515
  • Sep 21 - Dec 21
  • Writers and Readers Workshop (Thursdays: 3:30-4:20p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Ready, Set, Goals!
Goal setting is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth. It enables you to see a path towards an achievement. This interactive class will provide an in-depth dive into setting, planning and executing your personal goals using individualized lesson plans. Individuals will utilize our specialized software with instructor support, while working alongside peers.
  • $515
  • Sep 18 - Dec 18
  • Ready, Set, Goals! I: Mondays (3:30-4:30p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Getting Around Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement 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.
  • $515
  • Sep 19 - Dec 19
  • Roc Behind the Scenes: Tuesdays (1p-2:30p)
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Off Site Student
Safety Awareness
Safety Awareness is a fun and interactive class designed to learn basic safety awareness from our own Monroe County First Responders. Each department will teach individuals strategies surrounding personal safety, including communicating effectively with our first responders. Individuals will participate in hands-on activities and role plays that will provide an opportunity to practice the skills and awareness they are learning in class. Building confidence, relationships, personal safety, and social readiness are just a few goals of the dynamic class of Safety Awareness.
  • $450
  • Sep 21 - Dec 21
  • Safety Awareness: Thursdays (1:00p-3p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student
Social Awareness and Expression
Social Awareness and Expression is a class designed to educate and encourage the healthy expression of one’s self within group and friendship dynamics. Through guided self-awareness activities and advocacy, participants will have opportunities to foster and create more meaningful and positive relationships (at home and in the community). Participants will utilize multiple mediums to increase their self-awareness, self-expression while encouraging fun, shared perspectives and partnership. Participants will gain a more well-rounded understanding of themselves as well as learn how to identify different responses in themselves related to topics presented, discussed and stumbled upon. Participants will work together to problem solve and use strategies learned each week to build better relationships and advocate effectively. Participants will also increase their skills for success in interpersonal relationships, and create their own self-awareness tool box throughout the term that they will be able to take home and utilize at the end of the class!
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Student
Tech Connect
Tech Connect is a fun and interactive technology class that explores an individual's personal interests while learning a wide variety of technology. The opportunities include coding/programming, augmented and virtual reality, graphic art, 3D printing, animation, online broadcasting/podcasts, game development and or video/audio editing. Tech Connect will provide individuals the opportunity to create a project of interest. Through this class, individuals will learn strategies to build on their executive functioning skills such as time management, leadership skills, team building and networking. Building confidence, relationships, social readiness, and strengthening technology skills are just a few goals of the dynamic class of Tech Connect!
My Home Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student
Technovations™
Technovations™ is a guided exploration of commonly used software and relevant technology. The class is directed by individual interest, ability, and need. These sessions will encourage students to learn the software and tech tools within their own sphere of influence and personal life.
My Home Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Wildlife Ecology
Wildlife Ecology is an exciting and interactive class that will allow participants the opportunity to learn about how wildlife species, including both plants and animals, interact with each other and their environment. Participants will also learn about how wildlife affects us and how we affect wildlife and their environment by our actions. Lesson plans include activities taking place both indoors and outdoors. Building confidence, relationships, personal safety and nature awareness are goals of Wildlife Ecology..
Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Off Site Student
Yoga and Movement
Students will learn strategies for inner calming using breathing and stretching techniques while finding ways to incorporate Yoga in daily life. We will provide participants with a yoga mat or they may participate in a chair.
Fun & Talent Wellness On Site Student
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!
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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