Attention: Reminder NO CLASSES 11/24-11/30. Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday!

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 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 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** 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.
  • free
  • Jan 15 - Apr 02
  • Comic Art
    • ** Session full **
**NEW** My Place Essentials
This class builds confidence in managing a personal living space by focusing on safety awareness, home routines, and problem-solving skills. Participants practice real-life scenarios, receive peer feedback, and work at their individual skill level to strengthen independence at home.
  • $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
    • ** 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
    • ** Session full **
  • $770
  • Jan 16 - Apr 03
  • Adult Baking II
    • ** Session full **
  • $770
  • Jan 17 - Apr 04
  • Adult Baking III
    • ** 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
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness On Site Student
Adult Connections
Adults connect with peers through discussions, games, and shared activities. Lessons focus on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The class supports independence and confidence in community and social life.
  • $770
  • Jan 13 - Mar 31
  • Adult Connections I
    • ** Session full **
  • $770
  • Jan 16 - Apr 03
  • Adult Connections II
    • ** Session full **
  • $770
  • Jan 17 - Apr 04
  • Adult Connections III & IV (20 spaces available, 2 groups of 10 Participants)
    • ** Session full **
Connections Community Engagement On Site Student
Adult Running (formerly Run for Fun) @ Nazareth University
Participants train for running in a supportive group environment. Sessions cover conditioning, stretching, and running form while working toward personal goals.
  • $635
  • Jan 12 - Mar 30
  • Adult Running
    • ** 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
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
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
    • ** Session full **
  • $635
  • Jan 16 - Apr 03
  • Anime Art
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections On Site Student
Bowling League
Location: Bowl-A-Roll Lanes 1560 Jefferson Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 This league welcomes bowlers of all skill levels for friendly games. Participants practice sportsmanship, teamwork, and hand-eye coordination. The program fosters social connections and fun competition.
  • $770
  • Jan 14 - Apr 01
  • Bowling League
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Community Engagement Off 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.
  • $770
  • Jan 12 - Mar 30
  • Cooking I
    • ** Session full **
  • $770
  • Jan 13 - Mar 31
  • Cooking II
    • ** Session full **
  • $770
  • Jan 14 - Apr 01
  • Cooking III
    • ** Session full **
  • $770
  • Jan 16 - Apr 03
  • Cooking IV
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Cooking with Small Appliances
This class teaches how to use appliances such as air fryers, toaster ovens, and blenders. Participants prepare simple, budget-friendly meals with peers. The program builds safety, confidence, and everyday cooking skills.
  • $770
  • Jan 14 - Apr 01
  • Cooking with Small Appliances I
    • ** Session full **
  • $770
  • Jan 15 - Apr 02
  • Cooking with Small Appliances II
    • ** 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
    • ** Session full **
  • $670
  • Jan 14 - Apr 01
  • Creative Art II
    • ** 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.
  • $675
  • Jan 16 - Apr 03
  • Creative Writing
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Everyday STEM
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
    • ** 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
    • ** 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.
  • $675
  • Jan 17 - Apr 04
  • Executive Functioning: Social Skills
    • ** Session full **
Financial Literacy
This class teaches participants how to budget, save, and spend wisely. Lessons include using technology for money management. The program builds confidence and independence in financial decision-making.
  • $715
  • Jan 14 - Apr 01
  • Financial Literacy
    • ** Session full **
My Home Earning My Way Lifelong Learning On 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
    • ** Session full **
  • $635
  • Jan 13 - Mar 31
  • Functional Fitness II
    • ** Session full **
  • $635
  • Jan 14 - Apr 01
  • Functional Fitness III
    • ** Session full **
  • $635
  • Jan 16 - Apr 03
  • Functional Fitness IV @ JCC
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
HydroMoves @ Jewish Community Center (formerly Rec Swim)
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
    • ** Session full **
Individual Full Life Coaching
Participants receive individualized support in organization, self-regulation, and planning. Each 30-minute session is customized to personal goals. Coaching builds confidence and independence in daily living.
  • $700
  • Jan 12 - Apr 04
  • Full Life Coaching
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Virtual On Site Student
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.
  • $770
  • Jan 15 - Apr 02
  • Music Production
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Community Engagement On Site Off Site
My Place
Participants learn safety, problem-solving, and household management through guided activities. Lessons also cover housing, budgeting, and goal setting. The program prepares for future independence and community living.
  • $635
  • Jan 12 - Mar 30
  • My Place @ Nazareth University
    • ** 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
    • ** 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.
  • $560
  • Jan 12 - Mar 30
  • Navigating Relationships @ Nazareth University
    • ** 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.
  • $770
  • Jan 14 - Apr 01
  • Photography
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Community Engagement Off Site
Relationship Basics
This program explores hygiene, sexuality, consent, and healthy relationships in a safe setting. Lessons emphasize communication and self-advocacy. Participants build confidence in navigating personal relationships.
  • $635
  • Jan 12 - Mar 30
  • Relationship Basics
    • ** Session full **
Wellness Connections On Site
ROC Behind the Scenes
Participants go behind the scenes at local businesses and organizations. Activities include guided tours and hands-on learning. The program builds awareness of career paths and community resources.
  • $715
  • Jan 15 - Apr 02
  • ROC Behind the Scenes
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Off 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.
  • $635
  • Jan 15 - Apr 02
  • Safety Awareness
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student
Self-Advocacy (formerly Empower U)
Participants learn how to communicate their needs, make informed decisions, and set personal goals for greater independence. Lessons combine guided instruction, group discussion, and real-life scenarios to strengthen confidence and problem-solving. Participants build practical life and communication skills that promote self-awareness, resilience, and success in daily life.
  • $635
  • Jan 15 - Apr 02
  • Self- Advocacy
    • ** Session full **

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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