PEERS® Social Skills Groups

PEERS® is an internationally recognized, evidence-based social skills program developed at UCLA to help adolescents and young adults build meaningful friendships, improve conversation skills, and feel more confident in social situations.

 

The content is especially helpful for individuals with diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), social anxiety, or other social communication challenges, but the skills taught can benefit anyone who wants to improve confidence, friendships, dating skills, and overall interpersonal relationships.

 

Unlike many social skills programs, PEERS® focuses on practical, real-world strategies that can be used in everyday life. Participants learn skills such as starting conversations, joining groups, handling disagreements, managing peer conflict, using good sportsmanship, and navigating friendships and dating relationships.

 

At Simply Social Skills, PEERS® groups are currently offered fully online for motivated adolescents and young adults who are ready to actively participate, practice new skills, and work toward building stronger social connections. The program is designed for participants who want to make meaningful changes and are willing to engage in discussion, role play, and real-life practice between sessions. 

 

The full PEERS® program typically ranges from 14–16 weeks depending on the age group and specific curriculum being used. An 8-week dating bootcamp option is also available for motivated young adults who are interested in building confidence with dating, relationships, and social communication.

 

Groups are intentionally kept small to create a supportive environment where participants receive individualized coaching, guided role play, feedback, and opportunities to connect with peers in a comfortable setting.

 

Caregivers are also an important part of the program. Weekly caregiver coaching meetings help families understand the skills being taught, support practice at home, and reinforce strategies between sessions. This caregiver involvement is a valuable part of the program and helps learners continue developing their social skills long after the group has ended.

 

Groups are led by Amie Barker, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and PEERS® Certified Provider with extensive experience helping teens and young adults build confidence, independence, and stronger social connections.

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PEERS® may be a good fit for individuals who:

• Want to make and keep friends

• Struggle with starting or maintaining conversations

• Have difficulty handling conflict, teasing, or rejection

• Need support navigating peer relationships or dating

• Benefit from structured teaching, role play, and guided practice

• Are motivated to participate and practice skills outside of sessions

 

Services are available through private pay or the Self-Determination Program.

 

Space is limited to keep groups small, personalized, and supportive.

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Note: This program may not be the best fit for individuals who are unwilling to participate, have significant aggression or unsafe behaviors, or are not yet able to participate in basic back-and-forth conversation. In these cases, individual support may be recommended first to help build the foundational skills needed for future group success.