As a parent, you want your teen to have fulfilling friendships, positive social experiences, and
the confidence to navigate social situations. For many teens with social challenges—including
those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety or other communication
difficulties—these goals can feel out of reach. The PEERS® (Program for the Education and
Enrichment of Relational Skills) social skills group, offered in a private practice setting, is
designed to help bridge this gap and support your teens social development.
What is PEERS®?
– PEERS® is an evidence-based social skills intervention developed at UCLA and used worldwide
to help children, teens, and young adults learn the skills necessary for making and keeping
friends. The program is structured, practical, and supported by research showing improvements
in social knowledge, friendship quality, and overall social engagement.
How Does PEERS® Work in Private Practice Setting?
Small, Supportive Groups: Groups are intentionally kept small so each participant
receives individualized attention, builds trust, and practices skills in a safe environment.
– Structured, Step-by-Step Curriculum: Each session focuses on specific social skills
such as starting conversations, joining groups, handling teasing, or resolving
disagreements.
– Parent Involvement: Parents or caregivers attend concurrent sessions to learn coaching
strategies, so you can support your child’s progress at home and in the community.
– Real-Life Practice: Participants engage in role-plays and practice skills during and
between sessions, with homework assignments to encourage using these skills outside of
group.
– Peer Modeling and Support: Small group settings allow participants to observe peers,
practice reciprocal interactions, and receive social support from others with similar
experiences.
– Consistent Feedback: Facilitators provide direct, constructive feedback to help
participants refine their social skills and tailors feedback to each individual teen.
Benefits for Your Child and Family
– Improved Social Confidence: Teens learn how to initiate and maintain conversations,
make friends, and handle common social challenges.
– Increased Social Opportunities: As your teen becomes more comfortable and skilled,
they are more likely to seek out and enjoy social interactions.
– Family Empowerment: Parents gain practical tools to coach and encourage their teen,
leading to more successful social experiences and less frustration at home.
– Lasting Friendships: Participants often form connections within the group, reducing
feelings of isolation and building foundation for future relationships.
Evidence-Based Results: Research shows that PEERS® participants demonstrate
measurable improvements in social functioning, which can translate to better experiences
in school, extracurricular activities, and everyday life.
Who Can Benefit?
PEERS® is appropriate for teens with social challenges who are motivated to participate. It is
especially helpful for those with ASD, ADHD, social anxiety, or related difficulties.
How Can Parents Get Involved?
Your involvement is a key part of your teen’s success in PEERS® . By attending parent sessions,
you will learn the same skills as your ten and receive guidance on how to support social
development at home and in the community. By combining structured instruction, real-life practice, caregiver involvement, and ongoing feedback, PEERS® effectively teaches and reinforces the social skills necessary for successful peer relationships and improved quality of life.
To learn more about enrolling your teen in a PEERS® or to schedule an initial consultation,
contact InSight Psychology today.
