PEERS® Training Session
If your goal is to make and keep friends...
PEERS® might be for you.
The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is the leading research-based social skills training program for youth with social challenges. PEERS® has a strong evidence base for use with adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, and is also appropriate for adolescents and young adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socioemotional problems. PEERS® has been disseminated to over 40 countries worldwide.
"I have found PEERS Communications Training with StarPointe to be helpful and educational. I feel more confident with my social communication more now than ever before". - Jacob B. Student
PEERS IN THE NEWS:
Enrollment
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What makes PEERS® unique?
Ecologically Valid Skills.
In other words... we teach the skills that are proven to work in the real world for adolescents and young adults.
For example: when teens are getting teased, adults often give advice to: 1) walk away, 2) ignore the teaser, or 3) tell an adult. Do these strategies work? Not usually. In fact, these moves often make the situation worse.
So what do most socially savvy teens and young adults do?
They give a short comeback that shows that what the person said didn't bother them, and, in fact, what he or she said was kind of lame.
COMPREHENSIVE TEACHING.
Our program rests on the basic principle that any complex skill requires instruction and lots of practice with targeted feedback. Without feedback, it's easy to end up rehearsing errors rather than skills.
The PEERS® Program emphasizes live practice with continual close guidance from our team of behavioral coaches. We also focus on promoting real-world practice each week, and we help parents and other allies to provide effective support for developing social skills.
What skills are taught in PEERS®?
How to use appropriate conversational skills
How to find common interests by trading information
How to appropriately use humor
How to enter and exit conversations with peers
How to reduce teasing and bullying
How to handle rumors and gossip
How to plan and host get-togethers
How to skillfully use electronic communication
How to choose appropriate friends
How to be a good sport
How to handle arguments and disagreements
How to change a bad reputation
The PEERS® Program for Young Adults also includes skills for:
Dating & Romantic Relationships
Empirical Support
Mandelberg et al., 2013
This 1-5 year follow-up study with previous PEERS® participants describes their continued progress, and highlights the treatment gains that are maintained for years following participation in the PEERS® for teens intervention.
Laugeson et al., 2011
The 2nd randomized controlled trial of the PEERS® intervention shows improved social skills and peer interactions among youth between ages 12-17, with treatment gains maintained or improved at 14-week follow-up.
Gantman et al., 2011
In this randomized controlled trial, the PEERS® intervention is shown to be help improve social skills and friendships for young adults between ages 18-23.
Our Other Services
Life Skills
We work with our clients to establish a life road-map and the skills necessary to live a satisfying life.
Career Development
With our career development coaching, clients learn a variety of skills to prepare themselves for a successful career.
Dating & Relationship Coaching
Our coaches help with the skills necessary to build long-lasting friendships and relationships.