PEERS for Young Adults

Evidence-Based Social Skills Training for Neurodivergent Young Adults (Ages 18–30)

We are proud to offer PEERS® for Young Adults, an evidence-based social skills group designed to support neurodivergent individuals—including those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and social anxiety—in developing meaningful peer relationships and navigating the complexities of adult social life.

Developed at UCLA, the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is one of the only empirically supported social skills interventions for young adults. Our version of the program is adapted to meet the unique needs of our local community and is led by experienced clinicians who provide both structure and warmth in a supportive group setting.

What Participants Learn:

Over the course of 16 weekly sessions, participants gain concrete skills in areas such as:

• Starting and maintaining conversations

• Developing and deepening friendships

• Handling direct and indirect communication (texts, calls, social media)

• Managing conflict and rejection

• Navigating romantic relationships and dating

• Entering new groups and social networks

Each session includes real-life role plays, social coaching, and opportunities to practice and receive feedback in a supportive and affirming environment.

Who Should Join:

This group is designed for young adults ages 18–30 who are socially motivated and want to build friendships, enhance communication, and feel more confident in social situations. A caregiver or social coach (such as a parent, sibling, mentor, or life coach) is encouraged to participate in weekly support meetings to reinforce skills outside of the group setting.

Program Structure:

• Length: 16 weekly sessions, 90 minutes per session

• Group Size: Small groups for individualized attention

• Format: Remote via Zoom

• Screening: All participants complete an intake interview to ensure a good fit for the group

Why PEERS® Works:

Unlike unstructured social groups, PEERS® is based on over a decade of research and uses direct instruction, modeling, and evidence-based strategies to promote generalization of skills into the real world. Participants are given weekly assignments to practice skills in everyday situations, with coaching and support provided along the way.