PEERS® Friendship Boot Camp.

This Boot Camp is open to all including teens, young adults and parents.

Stands for Program for the Enrichment and Education of Relational Skills

An evidence-based social skills training program for adolescents, young adults and 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

Our weekend Boot Camp is based on the highly acclaimed PEERS® social skills program.

Over two days we will provide you with the tools needed to:

  • Start and enter conversations
  • Maintain recipricol conversations
  • Choose appropriate friends
  • Find a source of friends
  • Practice good sporstmanship
  • Organise successful get togethers
  • Handle disagreements
  • Change your reputation

Our lessons are rules-based and easy to follow teaching targeted social skills through didactic instruction and role-play demonstrations. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice newly-learned skills in a safe and supportive environment.

is this for you

Is the PEERS® Boot Camp right for your adolescent or young adult?

PEERS® is right if they:

  • Are aged between 13-17 years or 18-30 years
  • Have social challenges
  • Want to participate in the Boot Camp and learn new skills
  • Can commit to attending both days of the Boot Camp
  • Have a parent/family member/teacher/support worker who is willing to participate as their social coach.

Places are limited.
Reach out NOW to secure your spot.

look inside

Boot Camp Overview.

  • Open to all including teens, young adults and parents
  • Delivered over One Weekend Sat-Sun 9am - 3pm AEST (with sensory breaks every 50 minutes)
  • Presenter: Christine O'Leary, Founder of Social Skills Australia and Certified PEERS® Provider
  • Location: Delivered online via Zoom
  • One accompanying parent attends for FREE!

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.

the Program

The dates for our upcoming boot camps are subject to interest

Join us from anywhere around Australia via Zoom.

PEERS® Friendship Boot Camp

Our Boot Camps are held on Zoom and recreate the interpersonal interactions we achieve offline - and PEERS® research shows online sessions are just as effective as in-person.

If you're interested, please let us know, and we will advise you once new dates are confirmed.

Our Boot Camps are open to all including teens, young adults and parents.

The investment

Boot Camp Cost

The cost to attend this 2-day Boot Camp is $869 per attendee to be paid in advance. Includes full registration for one attendee - one accompanying parent attends for FREE.

The registration fee is waived for ONE accompanying parent only, additional parents and family members are required to register and pay the registration fee.

Due to limited enrolment we need to process and approve all registration forms before we approve attendees for payment.

Payment confirmation must be sent within 30 days of registration approval, and is required to secure your spot.

We do not process refunds for our Boot Camps, all transactions are final.

Total Investment:

$869

Includes full 2-day registration fee for one attendee - one accompanying parent attends for FREE.

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.

three-step process

Enrolment in the PEERS® Boot Camp
is a simple three-step process.

Step 01
Registration and intake interviews

  • Complete the Boot Camp registration form by clicking on the Register Now button below.
  • The registration fee is waived for ONE accompanying parent only, additional parents and family members must register and pay the registration fee.

Step 02
Approval and Payment

  • Approved attendees will be sent a confirmation via e-mail that will include a link to pay securely online.
  • Upon receipt of your payment, your young person's spot in the program is confirmed.

Step 03
Welcome and Commencement

  • One week prior to the Boot Camp, you and your young person will receive a welcome email including all the Zoom links and materials.
  • We expect the same accompanying parent to attend across both days of the Boot Camp.

Social challenges can make life hard for adolescents and young adults, and families often need extra support.

Social Skills

testimonials

What participants say.

Support

I know what it’s like to have an adolescent who is vulnerable to bullying, depression, and anxiety...

I know that, as a parent, it can be really worrying. And it can be hard to know what to do as there are very few support programs out there for adolescents. I’ve seen for myself the difference this program can make, and my passion is to share everything I’ve learned with other families.

about The Coach

Hi, I'm

Christine O'Leary,

and I'm a Social Coach

I’m a fellow parent of adolescents 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 communications professional passionate about helping people to communicate well.

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

we got answers

Frequently asked questions.

  • We offer a range of programs tailored to different age groups and needs. Below is a list of our key programs and their associated costs:

    • 14-Week Program for Adolescents and Young Adults:

      • Price: $2,640incl GST (or $188.57 per week x 14 weeks)

      • Overview: This comprehensive program spans 14 weeks and is designed to help adolescents and young adults develop crucial social skills, including conversation techniques, managing social interactions, and building friendships.

    • Over 30s Workshop:

      • Price: $550 (Full one-day registration fee for one attendee, including GST)

      • Overview: A one-day intensive workshop for individuals over 30, focusing on refining social skills, improving communication, and navigating social relationships in adulthood.

    • Boot Camps:

      • Price: $869 (Includes full 2-day registration fee for one attendee - one accompanying parent attends for FREE)

      • Overview: These bootcamps are designed to provide concentrated social skills training over two days. They include hands-on activities, role-playing, and real-world practice to reinforce the skills taught.

    • PEERS® 4-Week Dating Intensive:

      • Price: $869 (Includes full 4-week registration fee for one attendee and two social coaching webinars, including GST)

      • Overview: This intensive course runs for four weekly 2-hour sessions, focusing on dating skills such as initiating conversations, asking someone on a date, and handling rejection. It also includes two parent coaching webinars to support participants.

  • PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an evidence-based social skills training program designed to improve social interactions for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges. It focuses on teaching practical skills for building and maintaining friendships and relationships.

  • Our programs are open to adolescents, adults, and parents. We tailor our courses to meet the needs of individuals with social challenges, including those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or experiencing other social difficulties.

  • Program durations vary depending on the specific course. 

    Our Dating Intensive is a 4-week program, while our PEERS® courses typically run for 14 weeks. We also offer a Self-Paced Start Anytime PEERS course that allows you to progress at your own pace. Bootcamps are 2-day full days on a weekend and our Over 30’s Workshop is a one day program

  • Yes, parental involvement is highly encouraged, especially in our PEERS® programs. Parents often serve as social coaches, reinforcing the skills taught during the sessions. For the 14-week programs parents have their own coaching sessions each week. For the Dating Intensive, parents receive coaching webinars to support their child’s progress.For Bootcamps parents are FREE to join.

  • Once you enroll in a course, you’ll receive login details to access the materials online or via email. For the Self-Paced PEERS® course, you’ll have access to the videos, PDFs, and other resources.

  • Participants are encouraged to ask questions during weekly sessions. You’ll also have access to our private Facebook forum where you can ask questions and share experiences with other participants. Additionally, for certain courses like the Self-Paced PEERS® program, you receive two 30-minute 1:1 coaching calls with the instructor to address any specific concerns or questions.

  • Yes! If you missed the current round of PEERS®, you can enrol in our Self-Paced Start Anytime PEERS® course, which will be available starting October 1, 2024. This allows you to start the program at your convenience.

  • Yes, our programs are suitable for NDIS participants, depending on their plan. Please check with your NDIS provider to ensure coverage.

  • We do not offer refunds for any of our courses. Please ensure you’re committed to the program before enrolling.

  • You can schedule your two 30-minute coaching calls through our Calendly link at any time within 4 months of purchasing the course. These sessions are conducted via Zoom.

  • The online format of our courses, combined with the flexibility of accessing materials at your convenience, helps promote consistent attendance. Participants attend one 90-minute session each week for the 14-week program. We also provide tools and reminders to help you stay on track.

  • The online PEERS® course offers the same evidence-based curriculum as our in-person sessions, with the added benefits of reduced anxiety for participants, greater convenience, and more focused learning. The virtual format allows participants to engage deeply with the material in a comfortable setting. If you want more practical and proven benefits of PEERS® online please click here. https://www.socialskillsaustralia.com.au/blog

  • After enrolling in one of our courses, you will receive an invitation to join our private Facebook forum, where you can connect with other participants, ask questions, and share your experiences.

  • We offer introductory videos and sample lessons on our website, so you can get a feel for the course content and structure before making a commitment. We also share with you the breakdown of topics per week. https://www.socialskillsaustralia.com.au/sample-content

we got answers

Frequently asked questions.

  • We offer a range of programs tailored to different age groups and needs. Below is a list of our key programs and their associated costs:

    • 14-Week Program for Adolescents and Young Adults:

      • Price: $2,640incl GST (or $188.57 per week x 14 weeks)

      • Overview: This comprehensive program spans 14 weeks and is designed to help adolescents and young adults develop crucial social skills, including conversation techniques, managing social interactions, and building friendships.

    • Over 30s Workshop:

      • Price: $550 (Full one-day registration fee for one attendee, including GST)

      • Overview: A one-day intensive workshop for individuals over 30, focusing on refining social skills, improving communication, and navigating social relationships in adulthood.

    • Boot Camps:

      • Price: $869 (Includes full 2-day registration fee for one attendee - one accompanying parent attends for FREE)

      • Overview: These bootcamps are designed to provide concentrated social skills training over two days. They include hands-on activities, role-playing, and real-world practice to reinforce the skills taught.

    • PEERS® 4-Week Dating Intensive:

      • Price: $869 (Includes full 4-week registration fee for one attendee and two social coaching webinars, including GST)

      • Overview: This intensive course runs for four weekly 2-hour sessions, focusing on dating skills such as initiating conversations, asking someone on a date, and handling rejection. It also includes two parent coaching webinars to support participants.

  • PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an evidence-based social skills training program designed to improve social interactions for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges. It focuses on teaching practical skills for building and maintaining friendships and relationships.

  • Our programs are open to adolescents, adults, and parents. We tailor our courses to meet the needs of individuals with social challenges, including those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or experiencing other social difficulties.

  • Program durations vary depending on the specific course. 

    Our Dating Intensive is a 4-week program, while our PEERS® courses typically run for 14 weeks. We also offer a Self-Paced Start Anytime PEERS course that allows you to progress at your own pace. Bootcamps are 2-day full days on a weekend and our Over 30’s Workshop is a one day program

  • Yes, parental involvement is highly encouraged, especially in our PEERS® programs. Parents often serve as social coaches, reinforcing the skills taught during the sessions. For the 14-week programs parents have their own coaching sessions each week. For the Dating Intensive, parents receive coaching webinars to support their child’s progress.For Bootcamps parents are FREE to join.

  • Once you enroll in a course, you’ll receive login details to access the materials online or via email. For the Self-Paced PEERS® course, you’ll have access to the videos, PDFs, and other resources.

  • Participants are encouraged to ask questions during weekly sessions. You’ll also have access to our private Facebook forum where you can ask questions and share experiences with other participants. Additionally, for certain courses like the Self-Paced PEERS® program, you receive two 30-minute 1:1 coaching calls with the instructor to address any specific concerns or questions.

  • Yes! If you missed the current round of PEERS®, you can enrol in our Self-Paced Start Anytime PEERS® course, which will be available starting October 1, 2024. This allows you to start the program at your convenience.

  • Yes, our programs are suitable for NDIS participants, depending on their plan. Please check with your NDIS provider to ensure coverage.

  • We do not offer refunds for any of our courses. Please ensure you’re committed to the program before enrolling.

  • You can schedule your two 30-minute coaching calls through our Calendly link at any time within 4 months of purchasing the course. These sessions are conducted via Zoom.

  • The online format of our courses, combined with the flexibility of accessing materials at your convenience, helps promote consistent attendance. Participants attend one 90-minute session each week for the 14-week program. We also provide tools and reminders to help you stay on track.

  • The online PEERS® course offers the same evidence-based curriculum as our in-person sessions, with the added benefits of reduced anxiety for participants, greater convenience, and more focused learning. The virtual format allows participants to engage deeply with the material in a comfortable setting. If you want more practical and proven benefits of PEERS® online please click here. https://www.socialskillsaustralia.com.au/blog

  • After enrolling in one of our courses, you will receive an invitation to join our private Facebook forum, where you can connect with other participants, ask questions, and share your experiences.

  • We offer introductory videos and sample lessons on our website, so you can get a feel for the course content and structure before making a commitment. We also share with you the breakdown of topics per week. https://www.socialskillsaustralia.com.au/sample-content