PEERS® Program

A safe, welcoming space designed for teens to engage in person.

The PEERS® Program (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a globally recognized, evidence-based social skills intervention program. It supports adolescents and adults navigating challenges related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other social difficulties.

Grounded in research and real-world practice, PEERS® helps participants build meaningful connections, improve communication, and develop lasting relational skills in a structured, supportive environment.

What is the PEERS® Program?

PEERS® is an evidence based social skills program designed to help teens and adults who find social situations challenging—whether due to autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other emotional and communication differences.

Developed by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson at UCLA, this internationally respected program includes active support for parents and caregivers. It’s not just about learning skills—it’s about building confidence, connection, and community.

What Makes PEERS® So Effective?

🤝 Builds Real-World Social Confidence
Participants learn how to make and keep friends, handle conflict, and engage in everyday conversations with ease.

🧠 Strengthens Emotional Awareness & Empathy
Through guided practice, teens develop a deeper understanding of others and themselves.

🗣️ Improves Communication Skills
From reading social cues to expressing thoughts clearly, PEERS® helps unlock meaningful interaction.

🎯 Encourages Positive Behaviour & Self-Regulation
Teens gain tools for assertiveness, cooperation, and managing emotions in social settings.

🎉 Fosters Belonging & Joy
As social confidence grows, so does participation in hobbies, group activities, and friendships—reducing isolation and boosting wellbeing.

What to Expect in the PEERS® Program

PEERS® offers a practical, engaging pathway for teens and young adults to strengthen their social confidence—step by step, in a supportive group setting.

Participants explore key areas such as:

• Starting and maintaining conversations

• Using humour appropriately

• Making and keeping friends

• Navigating texting and online communication

• Responding to teasing and bullying

• Managing disagreements calmly

• Planning social hangouts

• Understanding dating and relationships

• Addressing sensitive topics (for young adults only)

Each session blends clear instruction with role-play demonstrations and real-world practice. Participants rehearse new skills in small breakout groups, guided by our experienced team of clinical psychologists and educators who offer direct coaching and encouragement.

Why Families Choose PEERS®

PEERS® isn’t just popular—it’s evidence based. Backed by years of research and clinical trials, this program has helped teens and young adults make lasting strides in their social lives, with benefits that continue well beyond the course.

Here’s what the research shows:

• Stronger Social Skills
  After completing PEERS®, participants show meaningful improvements in how they interact with others—becoming more cooperative, confident, and emotionally regulated in social settings.

• Better Communication
  Teens learn to express themselves clearly and tune into others’ cues, making conversations smoother and more rewarding.

• Increased Empathy
  As social understanding grows, so does the ability to relate to others—leading to deeper, more authentic connections.

• Less Loneliness, More Belonging
  With new skills and greater confidence, participants engage more in hobbies, group activities, and friendships—reducing isolation and boosting wellbeing.

• More Invitations, More Friendships
  Caregivers often report a noticeable rise in social invitations from peers outside the program—a sign that real-world relationships are taking root.

And the best part? These gains appear to last. Studies show that the benefits of PEERS® continue for years after the program ends.

What Does “Evidence-Based” Really Mean?

When we say PEERS® is evidence-based, we mean it’s backed by rigorous research—not just good intentions. The program has undergone extensive clinical trials and long-term studies to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Every strategy taught in PEERS® is grounded in data, showing real improvements in social skills, emotional understanding, and peer relationships. It’s not just theory—it’s proven practice that helps teens and young adults thrive socially.

Details

Session Dates: Sat 20th Oct - Sat 1st Nov

Duration: 1 session a week for 7 sessions

Where: Oak Park

Who: motivated teens and young adults!

Start Your Enrolment Journey