Social Skills Training
Social interaction is an essential component to wellness and individuals on the autism spectrum benefit from personal relationships and engagement just as much as their peers who are not on the spectrum. Particularly for people with mental health disorders, social skills are critical. Not only do they reduce opportunities for emotional isolation, but they also contribute to a more expansive life experience. In alignment with our mission to improve the quality of life of persons on the autism spectrum and their caregivers, we are pleased to introduce our social skills training program which utilizes the evidence-based PEERS model.
What is PEERS?
The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is recognized globally for introducing evidence-based social skills programs to preschoolers, adolescents, and young adults. The program is active in over 150 countries and has been translated in several languages since its development at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. To date, PEERS is the only publicly available evidence-based social skills program for autistic adolescents and adults, and youth with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socioemotional challenges.
Who is Our Social Skills Training For?
Let's Talk About It- the Autism Center's training is designed for adolescents, teens, young adults, and adults on the autism spectrum. Participants will experience social coaching via interactive demonstrations, role play, and group socialization activities. Employing elements from the PEERS model, participants will learn:
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How to create and maintain friendships
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Conversation skills
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How to enter and exit a conversation
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How to use humor appropriately
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How to handle disagreement or conflict
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How to communicate electronically
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How to be a good sport
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How to organize social events, experiences, or “get togethers”
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How to change a reputation
Training Benefits
PEERS training programs have shown positive results for people with autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, brain injury, and psychosis. Persons who participate in trainings experience reduced social or emotional isolation, are more actively engaged in their communities, and demonstrate increased comfort and confidence in social environments.
Why Train With Us?
Our certified instructors are passionate about supporting persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their caregivers. Our team consists of compassionate professionals with advanced training and degrees in autism across the lifespan, social work, and education. They are thrilled to combine their PEERS training and expertise to positively contribute to the lives of individuals with autism and other mental health disorders. Let’s Talk About It the Autism Center’s Instructors are patient, committed, and possess lived experience that further informs their practice and enhances their ability to execute high quality trainings.
“This training instantly delivers immediate value. Participants benefit greatly from approaches that have been tested, approved, and trusted.”
-La Becky Roe, Executive Director
