UCLA PEERS Program: Enhancing Social Skills for Lasting Relationships

The PEERS program at UCLA is a 16-week social skills intervention that provides lasting benefits to those who complete it. Designed to help teenagers and young adults increase their social skills, PEERS, which stands for Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, addresses various tasks across the social communication spectrum, including entering and exiting conversations, managing peer conflict, and understanding dating etiquette. Caregivers also participate in subsequent sessions.

Introduction to PEERS® Social Skills Program

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a social skills training intervention developed at UCLA by Elizabeth Laugeson to support individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other social disorders who have difficulty with peer interactions and relationships. PEERS® has a strong evidence base for use with adolescents and young adults with ASD but is also appropriate for preschoolers, adolescents, and young adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socioemotional challenges. Research has demonstrated that gains made over the course of the program are maintained 3-5 years later.

Social skills are the hidden codes to unlocking successful interactions and relationships. For individuals on the autism spectrum, cracking these codes can be a bit more challenging. PEERS® provides evidence-based strategies tailored specifically for adolescents and adults who struggle socially because making friends isn’t always intuitive.

The Unique Approach of UCLA’s PEERS® Program

Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson and her team at UCLA’s PEERS® Clinic have been crafting a world where social skills are clear and approachable. The journey began with a dream of transforming the complex challenge of navigating social nuances into a tangible target for individuals on the autism spectrum and others by leaning hard on evidence-based methods that actually work.

It’s not merely a game of chance, flinging concepts haphazardly and hoping for the best outcome. It’s about meticulously researched strategies designed specifically for young adults struggling with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression-you name it. These are comprehensive programs-rooted deeply in real-world applicability rather than abstract theories that look good only on paper.

Foundations of the UCLA PEERS Program by Dr. Laugeson

Since 2005, Elizabeth Laugeson and Fred Frankel have revolutionized countless existences with their pioneering endeavor, PEERS®. The PEERS Social Skills Program steps in as a lifeline thrown into an often confusing sea of social cues and unwritten rules.

Evidence-Based Strategies in Social Skills Training

Everything taught within these walls has passed through rigorous scientific scrutiny-it must prove its worth before making it into the curriculum. Dr. Laugeson’s personal commitment shines bright throughout each program iteration ensuring not just academic rigor but also genuine care and understanding towards every participant’s journey. Participants gain confidence navigating social landscapes previously thought impenetrable. The core idea? Empowerment through knowledge validated by science-and plenty of heart too.

At UCLA’s PEERS®, challenges are met head-on with both strategy and empathy. It’s more than teaching skills; it’s about changing lives-one evidence-backed lesson at a time.

Core Components of the PEERS® Curriculum

The PEERS Social Skills Program imparts knowledge about engaging in discussions and forming bonds that genuinely make a difference. You’ll learn conversation skills that help you connect with people meaningfully.

Teaching Ecologically Valid Social Skills

The PEERS Social Skills Program imparts knowledge about engaging in discussions and forming bonds that genuinely make a difference. You’ll learn not just any conversation skills but ones that help you connect with people meaningfully.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Comprehensive Methods for Skill Acquisition

The magic starts with direct instruction - clear explanations and demonstrations of those all-important social strategies. Next is role-playing - where practice makes perfect (or at least way better). Last up are homework assignments - taking what you’ve learned and applying it out there in the real world. This isn’t one-size-fits-all learning either. There’s personalized feedback every step of the way because everyone’s journey is unique.

Diverse Offerings Within the PEERS® Framework

PEERS® steps in, like having a roadmap when you’re unsure which way to turn. Every individual has unique needs and challenges. Recognizing this fact is what makes PEERS Social Skills Program shine brighter than your average program.

Programs for Adolescents and Young Adults

PEERS for Teens is a 14-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated high school students who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session teens are taught important social skills through instruction, live demonstrations by trained coaches, and extensive practice of these skills while receiving individualized coaching from our clinical staff. Teens will learn about: developing and maintaining friendships, conversational skills, entering and exiting conversations, electronic communication, using humor appropriately, organizing get-togethers, being a good sport, handling disagreements, changing a bad reputation, and handling teasing and bullying.

PEERS for Young Adults (Ages 18-32) is a 16-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated young adults, who are interested in learning ways to help make and keep friends. During each group session, young adults are taught important social skills and practice these skills in session while receiving individualized coaching from a team of clinical staff and peer behavioral coaches. Young adults must attend each session with a social coach (i.e., parent, family member, adult sibling, life coach, job coach, peer mentor, etc.). Social coaches are taught how to assist young adults in making and keeping friends by providing feedback during weekly socialization homework assignments. This will contribute to their young adult’s ability to develop and sustain lasting friendships. Both groups run concurrently with young adult groups at the same time and location. Young adults will learn about: developing and maintaining friendships, conversational skills, entering and exiting conversations, electronic communication, using humor appropriately, organizing get-togethers, dating skills, handling dating pressure, handling disagreements, changing a bad reputation, and handling direct and indirect bullying.

Specialized Groups for Preschoolers

PEERS® for Preschoolers is a 16-week evidence-based parent-assisted social skills intervention to teach children, between the ages of 4 to 6 years, how to make and keep friends. Originally developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, PEERS® for Preschoolers may be appropriate for preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression or other social and behavioral disorders. Children must speak consistently in phrases and sentences of four or more words. Parent Participation is required. Your child will learn how to: listen and follow directions, ask and use names, greet friends, share and give turns, ask friends to play, join ongoing games, keep cool during play, be a good sport, transition to new play activities, ask for and give help, use good volume control, and maintain good body boundaries.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Intensive Boot Camps for Targeted Learning

These boot camps focus on specific areas such as conversation skills or dating etiquette over shorter periods - think targeted learning sprints instead of marathons.

Scheduling and Participation in PEERS® Groups

All PEERS® groups meet once a week for 90 minutes, spanning over a 16-week period. Groups begin every 16 weeks with enrollment ongoing throughout the year.

Timing and Frequency of Sessions

This consistency is key. The pacing ensures that everyone can deeply absorb essential interpersonal abilities at a comfortable rhythm. Plus, it allows everyone-participants and their families alike-to integrate these sessions into their busy lives smoothly.

Registration Process for New Participants

First off, hats off to taking this bold step towards transformation. This first touchpoint will set things in motion. Embarking on this path, remember, you’re in good company. They’re designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule, making it easy to learn valuable social skills while balancing life’s demands.

The Impact and Effectiveness of PEERS® Programs

PEERS Social Skills Program isn’t merely blending into the background of countless initiatives; it’s actually creating ripples. A study published by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson and her team shows us why. The research delves into the profound impact of a program that not only involves teens on the autism spectrum but also enables them to excel.

We’re talking about significant improvements in social responsiveness, communication, and overall quality of life post-PEERS® intervention. And guess what? These gains stick around long-term - 3 to 5 years later, participants are still reaping the benefits. Social awareness skyrockets. Friendship circles expand. Loneliness takes a backseat.

Research Supporting the Effectiveness of PEERS®

Laugeson outlines research underscoring the efficacy of PEERS® programs across groups. A recent meta-analysis specific to autism found large effect sizes in pre- to post-test social skills knowledge and social responsiveness scales across all studies. Similarly, a recent randomized controlled trial found an 11 point standard score improvement in social skills and responsiveness following PEERS® program completion.

Ensuring Quality and Consistency in Program Delivery

When you roll out a program as designed without cutting corners or tweaking things too much on the fly, magic happens-consistent results across different groups prove it.

Expanding Horizons with Intensive Programs

Focusing on Conversation Skills During Summer Breaks

Summer break shines as the perfect chance to boost your chat skills, especially for those in the PEERS® crew. Imagine stepping into fall armed with new skills that make chatting as easy as pie. The Summer Conversation Intensive Program is our secret sauce. Over five days, teens and young adults dive deep into the art of conversation. We’re talking about mastering electronic communication, nailing turn-taking in chats, and sliding into discussions like a pro.

Navigating Dating Etiquette and Relationship Building

Our Dating Intensive is here to demystify the do’s and don’ts of dating etiquette. This power-packed program covers everything from catching someone’s eye to planning the perfect date night. Moreover, this program highlights the importance of respecting personal space and boundaries, an essential aspect in navigating modern relationships.

Social skills aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re must-haves-and summer break offers an unbeatable chance to hone them without school pressure looming overhead.

Beyond Traditional Settings - Virtual Boot Camps

The world’s moved on, and so have we. Welcome to the era of PEERS virtual boot camps, where technology brings us together, no matter where we are. Now, assistance is readily accessible with a simple tap, whether you find yourself amidst the urban hustle or nestled in serene rural havens.

Embracing Technology for Remote Learning

PEERS® programs were also adapted for online delivery in response to COVID-19. Online programs are similarly structured, with an additional group get-together each week. Changes in social responsiveness, social skills knowledge, and overall social skills significantly increased following online programs and problem behaviors were reduced considerably. Researchers found no significant differences in social skills outcomes between online and in-person training.

Advantages of Virtual Participation in Skill Development

You can join from anywhere-no need to worry about commute times or finding parking spots. These programs let you fit vital skill development around your schedule, not the other way around.

Additional PEERS® Programs

PEERS® Online Social Skills Classes

PEERS® Online Social Skills Classes is a 16-week evidence-based program for motivated teens and young adults who are interested in making and keeping friends and/or handling conflict and rejection. Teens and/or young adults attend 16 weekly classes over Zoom for 90-minutes each week, plus an optional 5 weeks of dating skills. Participants are taught social skills through didactic lessons and role-play demonstrations and practice these skills during online socialization activities. Social coaches attend separate classes simultaneously and are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends. Teens and/or young adults will learn about: developing and maintaining friendships, conversational skills, entering and exiting conversations, appropriate use of humor, handling disagreements, electronic communication, being a good sport, organizing get-togethers, handling teasing and bullying, and changing a reputation.

PEERS® for Preschoolers Educational Groups

PEERS® for Preschoolers is an evidence-based social skills program to teach children between 4 to 6 years of age how to make and keep friends. Parents attend 16 weekly group sessions for 90 minutes per week over Zoom. Parents will be taught how to coach their child on targeted social skills related to friendship development through didactic lessons, role-play videos and puppet shows for children. Parents are provided resources to practice these skills during weekly homework assignments and are given feedback on their social coaching. Parents will learn how to provide coaching on: having successful play dates, listening and following directions, meeting and greeting friends, sharing and giving turns, asking friends to play, joining ongoing play, keeping cool during play, being a good sport, transitioning to new play activities, asking and giving help, using volume control, and maintaining body boundaries.

PEERS® Virtual Boot Camp

The PEERS® Virtual Boot Camp includes 35 pre-recorded episodes covering all of the skills that we teach in our teen and young adult evidence-based social skill programs. The topics covered include friendship skills, conversation skills, conflict resolution, handling bullying, and dating etiquette. Participants can watch episodes at their own pace over the 60 day viewing period while receiving additional resources and suggestions for how to practice the skills in the real world.

PEERS® for Careers

PEERS® for Careers is an evidence-based program for motivated adults who are interested in learning the skills to succeed in finding and maintaining employment. The program is appropriate for individuals 18-35 years of age who have received some form of post-secondary education and are interested in seeking employment. Participants receive soft skills training focused on workplace social skills, professional communication, networking, interview techniques, navigating workplace culture, managing conflict in the workplace, and strategies for disclosing a diagnosis to employers and requesting accommodations. Participants receive support from a career coach outside of the program to practice the newly learned skills.

PEERS® for Dating

PEERS® for Dating is an evidence-based program for motivated adults who are interested in learning the skills to develop and maintain romantic relationships. The program is appropriate for individuals 18-35 years of age who are struggling to develop and maintain meaningful romantic relationships. Participants will learn about: conversational skills, expressing romantic interest, asking someone on a date, handling rejection, in-person and online dating etiquette, and navigating relationship boundaries and conflict.

tags: #UCLA #PEERS #program #description