A New View Counseling and
Psychological Services

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Children with autism often struggle with social skills, making it difficult for them to form and maintain relationships with their peers.

 

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) is a social skills intervention program. The PEERS program is an evidence-based social skills intervention program designed specifically for children with autism. The program has been shown to improve social skills, increase self-esteem, reduce social anxiety, and improve the quality of life for children with autism. If you have a child with autism who struggles with social skills, the PEERS program may be an excellent option to consider. By providing your child with the skills they need to interact with their peers, you can help them build relationships that will have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.

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What is the PEERS Program?

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The PEERS program is a 16-week social skills intervention program that focuses on teaching children with autism the skills they need to make and keep friends. The program is based on a manualized curriculum that uses evidence-based practices to teach social skills in a structured and supportive environment.

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The PEERS program consists of adolescents (ages 12-18) and cover a range of social skills topics, including conversation skills, how to use humor appropriately, how to handle teasing and bullying, and how to handle disagreements with friends. The program also includes weekly socialization homework assignments, which give children an opportunity to practice the skills they have learned in the program.

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Benefits of Participating in the PEERS Program

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1. Improved Social Skills

The primary benefit of participating in the PEERS program is that it helps children with autism improve their social skills. The program teaches children how to initiate and maintain conversations, read social cues, and make and keep friends. These skills are critical for building and maintaining relationships, which can have a significant impact on a child's overall wellbeing.

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2. Increased Self-Esteem

Many children with autism struggle with low self-esteem due to their difficulty with social interactions. By participating in the PEERS program, children gain the skills and confidence they need to interact with their peers, which can improve their self-esteem.

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3. Reduced Social Anxiety

Children with autism often experience social anxiety, which can make it difficult for them to participate in social situations. The structured and supportive environment of the PEERS program helps children with autism feel more comfortable in social situations, which can reduce their social anxiety.

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4. Improved Quality of Life

By improving their social skills, increasing their self-esteem, and reducing their social anxiety, the PEERS program can significantly improve the quality of life for children with autism. Children who are better able to interact with their peers are more likely to form friendships and have a positive social network, which can have a long-term impact on their wellbeing.

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Contact A New View Counseling for more information and enrollment.