For many autistic people, navigating social situations can feel like walking a tightrope. The way we approach communication and relationships is often shaped by our unique experiences and motivations, which may not align with neurotypical social norms. This difference isn’t about being rude or unfriendly—it’s about operating from a different framework of understanding and interacting with the world.

As a parent, you are your teen's first and most important teacher when it comes to social development. The social challenges that many teens with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse traits face can make navigating relationships, conversations, and social settings difficult. That’s where you come in. Your involvement in their social growth can make a world of difference.

For neurodivergent adolescents and young adults, the right learning environment can make all the difference. Social skills, which many take for granted, can be a source of anxiety and confusion for those with autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent conditions. This is where neurodivergent-friendly learning environments, like the PEERS® program, shine.

As the new year unfolds, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on areas of growth and set goals for the months ahead. While health, career, and fitness goals are common, one powerful area for transformation is often overlooked: social skills.

Starting a conversation can be intimidating, especially for individuals with autism, ADHD, or other social challenges. However, a simple and well-placed opener can break the ice and create opportunities for meaningful connections. The key is to be genuine, show interest, and keep things light. Here are some practical tips and easy conversation starters to help get the ball rolling in various situations.

For many people, socializing can feel as energy-consuming as physical exercise. Whether it’s a work event, a family gathering, or even hanging out with friends, social interactions can drain your “social energy.” And for neurodivergent individuals, this energy depletion can feel even more intense. Enter the concept of a “Social Energy Budget.”

When we think of small talk, we often think of surface-level exchanges — the weather, “how are you?” pleasantries, or what we had for lunch. While these exchanges serve a purpose, they rarely lead to the connections and meaningful relationships we seek. Jumping straight into deep conversations can also feel awkward, or even invasive, especially if there’s no strong bond yet. So, what’s the answer? “Medium Talk.”

If you or someone you care for is an NDIS participant and looking to improve social skills, confidence, and overall communication, the Self-Paced PEERS® Course might be the perfect solution. Designed for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges, this course offers practical tools that foster meaningful relationships and greater independence.

Imagine this: It’s lunchtime, and you’re sitting by yourself on the playground. You have your lunch in front of you, but no one’s coming over to sit with you. You look around at the other kids, laughing, playing, and sharing stories, and you wonder why no one notices you sitting there alone. You want to join in, but you’re not sure how, and it feels like nobody would want you there anyway.

Social confidence is a crucial element of building meaningful relationships and navigating daily interactions. Whether it's making a new friend, engaging in a conversation at work, or starting a romantic relationship, having the confidence to interact socially can transform your experience in the world.

When families first explore social skills programs like PEERS® (Program for the Enrichment and Education of Relational Skills), they often hope to see a positive change in their child, teen, or adult family member. What they may not expect, however, is how deeply these changes can ripple through the entire family and those who care for the participant.

As we get older, life gets busy. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, making new friends can feel like a challenge. You might think that building new friendships is something that happens naturally when you're young, and that it’s too late to start now. But the truth is, it’s never too late to build meaningful connections with others.

Dating can be challenging for anyone, but for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges, the dating world often feels particularly daunting. The nuances of social interaction, understanding social cues, and managing anxiety can make dating an overwhelming experience. However, with the right guidance and support, building meaningful romantic connections is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding

As more educational programs move online, many families wonder about the effectiveness of virtual learning, especially for social skills programs. PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an evidence-based social skills intervention designed to improve the social interactions and relationships of youth and adults with autism and other social challenges.

Planning a holiday can be exciting but it’s important to remember that when the time comes, the new destinations, experiences, schedules and foods can actually quickly become overwhelming. For those of us with autism, managing our energy and social capacity—often described through the lens of "spoons theory"—is crucial for ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable trip

Social skills play a crucial role in our mental health and overall well-being. They enable us to form meaningful connections, build supportive relationships, and navigate social interactions with ease. For neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism or ADHD, developing these skills can be particularly challenging but equally important.

At Social Skills Australia, we believe that social skills are imperative for living a full and healthy life. Our programs are designed to help individuals navigate social interactions with confidence and ease. At the heart of our success is our dedicated facilitator, Christine O'Leary.

As the facilitator of the PEERS® for Young Adults course, I have had the privilege of witnessing countless young people transform their social lives. One recent story stands out, highlighting the profound impact that dedication and the right support can have on a young adult navigating the complexities of social interactions.

At Social Skills Australia, we are dedicated to helping young individuals develop the social skills they need to navigate the complexities of today's world. Our flagship offering, the PEERS® Social Skills Training program, has consistently shown profound impacts on both adolescents and their families. A recent success story from a parent highlights the remarkable changes we see regularly through our program.

When we hear about the incredible journeys our participants have taken, it reaffirms why we do what we do. Recently, a parent shared a moving story about their son's transformation through our 16-week PEERS® Social Skills Training program, and we are honored to share the essence of their experience with you.