The Program for the Education & Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS)

PEERS program - socialising with friends

Socialising can be difficult for a lot of people and cause anxiety and stress.

PEERS is an evidence-based social skills program specifically designed for young people on the spectrum, with other neurodevelopmental disorders and those who find socialising challenging.

We run this program in person, teaching people key tools and socialising skills to make and keep friends.

Our experts are patient and understanding, working one-on-one with individuals to build up confidence that will help them for the rest of their lives.

What our PEERS participants say about the program

"The program was very positive and encouraging. I felt very comfortable within the empathetic group of parents and carers"

PP

Participant parent

"My daughter loved this program. Not only did it improve her knowledge but also improved her mood"

PP

Participant parent

"I loved meeting people and finding out what to do when I have a problem"

E

Edward 14 years old

The PEERS program is taking expressions of interest for Melbourne’s Inner West.

Please submit your interest via the contact page.

Enquire about PEERS

Or call 1300 733 724

Areas of Focus

Participants will learn how to:

Use appropriate conversational skills
Use humour appropriately
Use electronic communication
Enter & exit conversations
Be a good host during gatherings
Be a good sport

Handle arguments and disagreements
Alter a bad reputation
Deal with rumours and gossip
Manage rejection, teasing and bullying
Use appropriate dating skills
Manage sexual pressures

About PEERS Program

PEERS was developed by Dr. Liz Laugeson in the U.S.

Elena Ladlow, head Occupational Therapist at Superbia Allied Health has been certified to deliver the PEERS training program within Australia and has been running this program since 2021.

You may have heard about the PEERS programs from watching Love on the Spectrum!

Data shows that having one or two close friends really helps people deal with daily life and can reduce the impact of stressful situations. Making friends and having social skills makes people feel included and ultimately reduces depression and anxiety.

Each program is run in a group, with one facilitator teaching all participants tools for socialising. We use a combination of videos and live practice methods.

PEERS was developed by Dr. Liz Laugeson in the U.S.

Secondly, we also run a program for the participant's support person or ‘coach’. This is run in a separate group with a different facilitator where they will also learn tools on how to coach participants on the specific skills they’ve learnt in the program.

Both participant and coach groups run simultaneously and homework tasks are assigned so you can practise these skills in the real world.

Enquire about PEERS

Or call 1300 733 724

Ready to live life

without limits?

Contact us to find out more

"Unleashing potential - not creating it."

Get in Touch

1300 733 724

21/6-7 Seaside Parade
North Shore, VIC, 3214