Certified PEERS Social Skills Training for Youths
PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a well-known evidence-based social skills intervention program designed for adolescents and young adults who struggle with social skills, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders. To become a certified PEERS provider, professionals typically undergo specific training and certification processes offered by the UCLA PEERS Clinic or other authorized training centers. This training equips providers with the knowledge and skills to implement the PEERS curriculum effectively.​
Here are the key components typically included in the PEERS Cirriculum: ​
01 Understanding Social Skills
The curriculum begins by teaching participants foundational social skills such as how to join conversations, make and keep friends, and handle teasing or bullying.
02 Conversation Skills
Participants learn specific strategies for starting and maintaining conversations, including how to choose appropriate topics, use appropriate body language and eye contact, and take turns in conversation.
03 Friendship Skills
The curriculum focuses on teaching skills necessary to develop and maintain friendships, such as finding common interests, planning get-togethers, and resolving conflicts.
04 Electronic Communication
Given the prevalence of digital communication, PEERS also
covers skills related to texting, social media use, and online etiquette.
05 Handling Peer Rejection and Teasing
Participants are taught strategies to cope with and
respond to peer rejection, bullying, or teasing in a socially appropriate manner.
06 Advanced Social Skills
Depending on the version of the curriculum (e.g., PEERS for
Young Adults), more advanced social skills may be taught, such as dating etiquette,
romantic relationships, and workplace interactions.
07 Parenting and Caregiver Involvement
PEERS emphasizes the involvement of parents or
caregivers throughout the program. They attend separate sessions to learn how to support their child’s learning and practice of social skills at home and in real-life situations.
08 Role-Playing and Practice
A significant component of PEERS involves role-playing
exercises where participants practice newly learned skills in a structured environment. This allows them to gain confidence and mastery before applying these skills in real-world
settings.
09 Homework Assignments
Participants are given homework assignments to reinforce what they’ve learned during sessions. This might include practicing specific social skills in real-life situations and reflecting on their experiences.
10 Social Coaching and Career
During sessions, facilitators provide feedback and
coaching to participants, helping them refine their social skills and encouraging positive
interactions.
The PEERS curriculum is typically delivered over a span of several weeks in a group format, ensuring that participants have opportunities to learn from each other, practice skills together, and receive structured guidance from trained facilitators. The ultimate goal of PEERS is to equip individuals with the tools and confidence they need to navigate social situations successfully and build meaningful relationships.
PEERS Social Skills Training for Youths - 4 Weeks: Ready to empower your child with essential social skills for success? Complete our quick and easy intake form to get pricing details and program specifics.
Groups include 12-15 youths
Training #1
Training #2
PEERS Social Skills Training Program for Youths - 8 Weeks: Ready to empower your child with essential social skills for success? Complete our quick and easy intake form to get pricing details and program specifics.
Groups include 12-15 youths
Training #3
PEERS Social Skills Booster Trainings:
Elevate your communication, confidence, and connections with our customized social skills booster sessions available at an hourly rate.