PEERS® for Adolescents
Structured social skills training for teenagers — building real friendships, not just theory
PEERS® for Adolescents is the flagship UCLA-developed program for teenagers aged 13 to 18, and one of the most researched, evidence-based social skills curricula in the world. It's suitable for autistic teens and those with ADHD, social communication difficulties, or a developmental delay who are motivated to build stronger friendships and social confidence.
Delivered via telehealth in small groups, PEERS® for Adolescents is available to families anywhere in Australia — not just those local to Ballarat.
What the Program Covers
Teenagers learn explicit, practical strategies across a structured curriculum, including:
Starting, maintaining, and exiting conversations
Choosing appropriate friends
Using humour appropriately
Entering and exiting peer groups
Organising successful get-togethers
Handling rejection, teasing, bullying, and rumours
Navigating disagreements and conflict with peers
How It Works
Parent-assisted— each teenager attends a weekly group session alongside a parent or caregiver, who takes part in a concurrent session as their "social coach"
Small groups, via telehealth — sessions are delivered via telehealth in small groups, giving teenagers anywhere in Australia the same access to this internationally-validated program as those in major cities
Real-world carryover — this is a defining, evidence-based feature of PEERS®, not an optional extra — it's what allows skills learned in the group to actually generalise into real life, rather than staying confined to the session room
Is This Program Right for Your Teen?
PEERS® for Adolescents may be a good fit if your teen:
Understands social rules in theory but struggles to apply them in real-world situations at school or in the community
Finds it difficult to start or maintain conversations and friendships
Experiences teasing, bullying, rumours, or social exclusion
Is motivated to build stronger friendships and greater social confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
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PEERS® for Adolescents is designed for teenagers aged 13 to 18.
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Yes — PEERS® works best for teens who want to build stronger friendships and are willing to actively participate. It isn't designed as a program to be done "to" a reluctant participant.
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Yes — a parent or caregiver attends a concurrent session as your teen's "social coach." This is a core, evidence-based part of the program.
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Request a call back below. We'll get in touch to talk through your teen's needs and confirm whether PEERS® for Adolescents — or another one of our programs — is the right starting point.
Build the Skills Needed for Meaningful Social Connection
