PEERS Program: What is PEERS?

By Abbey Zabielo (UWS Student)

PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a social skills program developed specifically for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other social difficulties. The program is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and focuses on teaching social skills through a structured curriculum.

The PEERS program teaches social skills in three key areas:

1. Friendship skills: The program teaches individuals with ASD how to initiate and maintain friendships, as well as how to handle conflicts and appropriately respond to peer pressure.
2. Conversational skills: The program teaches individuals with ASD how to start and maintain conversations, as well as how to interpret social cues and use appropriate nonverbal communication.
3. Dating skills: The program also includes a module on dating skills, teaching individuals with ASD how to navigate the complexities of dating, including how to ask someone out and how to interpret romantic signals.

The PEERS program is typically delivered in group sessions, where participants learn through a combination of didactic instruction, role-playing, and feedback. The program is typically led by a trained facilitator who guides the group through the curriculum.

Research has shown that the PEERS program can be effective in improving social skills, reducing social anxiety, and increasing overall social functioning in individuals with ASD. However, it is important to note that every individual with ASD is unique, and the effectiveness of the program may vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and challenges.

Solutions in Mind run this program at a clinic for teenagers. Please give our office a call if you’re interested or if you would like to register.