Learn how to make & keep friendships for young adults.
For young adults with autism, ADHD and other social challenges.
Stands for Program for the Enrichment and Education of Relational Skills
An evidence-based social skills training program for adolescents and young adults with social challenges. It was developed by Dr Elizabeth Laugeson at the University of California in 2004.
The PEERS® Program
the program
what is peers
PEERS® is delivered over 16 weeks of
90-minute sessions, covering topics such as:
- Developing and maintaining friendships
- Entering and exiting conversations
- Appropriate use of humour
- Choosing appropriate friends
- Communicating appropriately online
- Conversational skills
- Electronic communication
- Organising get-togethers
- Handling disagreements
- Handling teasing and bullying
Also includes dating skills and dating etiquette including:
- Letting someone know you like them
- Online dating
- Asking someone on a date
- Going on dates
- Dating do's and don'ts
- Handling dating pressure
PEERS® teaches social skills through didactic lessons and role-play demonstrations, with students practising these skills during group behaviour rehearsal activities.
testimonials
What participants say.
Social Skills
Research shows improving social skills and having even just 1-2 close friendships can:
- Increase self-esteem, confidence and independence
- Decrease the likelihood of depression and anxiety linked to loneliness
- Minimize the occurrence of bullying.
Autism, anxiety, and social challenges can make life hard for young adults -
We’re here for extra support.
Social Skills
about The Coach
Hi, I'm
Christine O'Leary,
and I'm a Social Coach
I’m a parent of children with social challenges myself - and I’m here to help!
I help adolescents, young adults and adults with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges to make and keep friends and learn important social skills through relaxed and fun small group sessions, both online and in person.
Certified
PEERS® Provider
- Completed the UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills in the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour at UCLA.
- Certified PEERS® Provider.
Communication & Public Relations Specialist
- Specialised skills and advanced knowledge in the communications, media and creative industries.
- Bachelor of Business Administration, GradDip Communication, PR, Advertising, & Applied Communication.
Parenting Support & Consulting
- Specialising in supporting both individuals and organisations to communicate effectively with others.
- University-trained and post-graduate qualified communication professional passionate about helping people to communicate well.
look inside
Program Overview.
- Separate groups for young adults (18-30 years old)
- Delivered over 16 weeks
- 90-minute skill development sessions for young adults
- 90-minute coaching sessions for social coach (parent, family member, teacher or support worker)
- Small class format (6-10 participants)
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Week 1 | Conversational Skills 1, Trading Information
Week 2 | Conversational Skills 2, Two-Way Conversations
Week 3 | Conversational Skills 3, Electronic Communication
Week 4 | Choosing Appropriate Friends
Week 5 | Appropriate Use of Humour
Week 6 | Starting and Joining Conversations
Week 7 | Exiting a Conversation
Week 8 | Get-Togethers
Week 9 | Dating Etiquette - Letting Someone Know You Like Them
Week 10 | Dating Etiquette - Asking Someone on a Date
Week 11 | Dating Etiquette - Going on Dates
Week 12 | Dating Etiquette - Dating Do's and Don'ts
Week 13 | Handling Disagreements
Week 14 | Handling Direct Bullying
Week 15 | Handling Indirect Bullying
Week 16 | Moving Forward and Graduation
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90 MINUTE SESSIONS
A structured lesson on the week’s topic (using rules and steps)
Role-play of dos and don’ts - either live or using videos developed by UCLA
Practice new skills learnt
Social coaching and feedback
Practical exercises to complete at home during the week
Social coaching feedback at home during the week by the social coach (parent/carer or support worker)
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There have been many studies conducted on the PEERS® Program. Below are links to some of the research:
A Randomised Controlled Trial to Examine the Effectiveness of the Dutch Version of PEERS®
Improving Social Anxiety and Social Responsiveness in Autism Spectrum Disorder through PEERS®
Research Progress on the Effect of PEERS® on Social Skill Improvement among Adolescents with ADHD
Development and Preliminary Testing of the Dutch Version of PEERS®
The full list of research publications on PEERS® is available on the UCLA website HERE.
the Program
Next Program - August 2024 Intake
Please note our current groups are FULL.
We are now taking enrolments for August 2024. Spaces are strictly limited and filling fast.
Our PEERS® participants can choose to learn either face-to-face through our in-person sessions on the Sunshine Coast or learn from home from anywhere around Australia via Zoom.
Conversation Boot Camp 13-14 April 2024
Alternatively, we are currently taking enrolments for our next weekend Boot Camp. Our Conversation Boot Camp is open to all including teens, young adults and parents.
Saturday - Sunday
13-14 April 2024
9am - 3pm AEST
For more information, visit the Conversation Boot Camp page of our website.
In-person Programs
We offer in-person sessions for young adults located on the Sunshine Coast.
- Young Adults
Tuesdays, 13 August - 3 December 2024**
11.00am - 12.30pm (Sunshine Coast location)
Virtual Programs
Our virtual Zoom meetings recreate the interpersonal interactions we achieve online - and PEERS® research shows online sessions are just as effective as in-person.
- Young Adults
Tuesdays, 13 August - 3 December 2024**
7.00pm - 8.30pm (Online via Zoom) - Parents/ Social Coaches
Mondays, 12 August - 2 December 2024**
7.00pm - 8.30pm (Online via Zoom)
** PEERS will take a one-week break, 14-20 October 2024.
Please visit the Adolescent Program (13-17 years) or Adults Program (30++ years) for more details.
We work very hard to compose the groups with participants who are approximately around the same developmental level, so the program schedule and age groupings are subject to change. It could be that you need to wait longer for a group that is appropriate. As we get close to the start date of each group, we will send you a confirmation letter with exact dates, times and location.
NOTE: The PEERS for Young Adults Program also includes Dating Etiquette.
three-step process
Enrolment in PEERS®
is a simple three-step process.
Step 01
Intake interviews
- Book an informal, confidential 15-minute phone chat with me to assess your young adult’s suitability for the program and to answer any questions you may have.
- If you want to enrol, I will meet with you and your young adult one-on-one (usually online) to make sure PEERS® is a good fit for them and ensure they feel comfortable with the program.
- This is to ensure the best possible outcome for your young adult.
Step 02
Enrolment Paperwork and Payment
- You will then be sent the enrolment paperwork to complete and return, along with a link for payment.
- A payment plan is available for non-NDIS participants.
- Upon receipt of your completed enrolment paperwork and payment, your young adult’s spot in the program is confirmed.
Step 03
Welcome and Commencement
- Before the first session, you and your young adult will receive a welcome email including all the zoom links and materials.
- Then each week, your young adult will continue to be sent everything they need for each session.
is this for you
Is PEERS® for young adults the right program for you?
PEERS® is right if you:
- Are aged between 18-30 years old
- Have social challenges
- Want to participate in the program and learn new skills
- Can commit to attending the sessions consistently
Places are limited.
Reach out NOW to secure your spot.
Peers
Where does PEERS come from?
Dr Elizabeth Laugeson, developed PEERS®
An Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences at UCLA (University of California) Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour.
More than x30 peer-reviewed studies demonstrate the efficacy of this course - with teens consistently showing improvement on every measure of social skills and social engagement - as well as reduced problem behaviours, related social difficulties and social anxiety.
The gains are maintained well after the course has ended - a finding attributed to the involvement of a social coach, which can be a parent, another family member, a teacher or a support worker.
For more information on PEERS®, check out this video by the Founder and Director of the UCLA PEERS® Clinic and the developer of PEERS®, Dr Elizabeth Laugeson.
Watch Video
PEERS® & NDIS Participants.
The PEERS® Program suits most NDIS Plans.NDIS funding can be used if your family is self-managed or plan-managed.
NDIS Information:
*NOTE: It is important to check your own individual funding options.
The investment
NDIS and Costs.
The investment is $165 per week per person and includes:
- Intake interviews
- 90 min young adult skill development session per week
- 90 min parent/support worker coaching session per week
- Weekly handouts/practice at home materials
- PEERS® App
- Support throughout the 16-week program
Total Investment: $2,640
16-week program: $165 x 16 weeks
Total investment for the entire program (includes everything) = $2,640
A payment plan is available for non-NDIS participants. **
** Payment plan admin fee applies.we got answers
Frequently asked questions.
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The PEERS® for Adolescents Program is designed specifically for adolescents aged 13-17 years, the PEERS for Young Adults Program is designed for adults 18-30 years and the NEW PEERS for Adults Program is desiged for adults 30+ years.
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Yes, PEERS® is usually covered by the NDIS. We can accept self-managed and plan-managed NDIS packages. We are not a registered NDIS provider, so we cannot accept NDIA-managed plans.
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Yes, you can certainly pay privately for PEERS if you don't have NDIS funding.
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Absolutely. Many of our PEERS® participants also have anxiety, and we ensure we provide a safe, inclusive space so that everyone can participate as best they can on any given day. We have ample opportunities to make accommodations for everyone so they can participate at a comfortable level while still ensuring new skills are being learnt. We are very experienced and adept at working with adolescents with anxiety.
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We strongly encourage parents to attend weekly parent sessions where possible. Our research shows that the adolescent's experience with the PEERS® program is greatly improved through parent participation, however if you can't make every parent coaching session - or another family member or support worker needs to fill in for you - we will make that work as well.