The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is offered through the Civitan-Sparks’ Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic at UAB. Dr. Sarah O’Kelley is a certified PEERS® provider and supervises trainees in providing the program in the clinic.
The PEERS® intervention has demonstrated significant positive outcomes in clinical trials and follow-up (Laugeson, Frankel, Gantman, Mogil, & Dillon, 2008; Laugeson, Frankel, Mogil, & Dillon, 2009; Gantman, et al., 2012; Laugeson et al., 2015). For more information about the original UCLA PEERS® Program, see www.semel.ucla.edu/peers.
PEERS® for Teens
PEERS® for Teens is for motivated teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session, teens are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during group activities with the support of social coaches. Parents/caregivers are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments. The PEERS® for Teens program requires a 14-week commitment by both the teen and their parents/caregivers.
PEERS® for Young Adults
PEERS® for Young Adults is a 16-week program designed for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related developmental disabilities who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session, young adults are taught important rules for social interactions and practice these skills with the support of group leaders and social coaches. Each young adult brings a social coach to the group, which may be a parent, caregiver, or other support person, who is taught how to assist group members in improving social interactions by providing feedback through coaching during weekly homework assignments.
Topics covered include:
- How to use appropriate conversational skills
- How to find common interests by trading information
- How to use electronic forms of communication
- How to choose appropriate friends
- How to use humor appropriately
- How to enter and exit conversations between peers
- How to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying
- How to handle rumors and gossip
- How to organize and have get-togethers with friends
- How to be a good sport during games and activities
- How to handle arguments and disagreements with friends
- How to change a bad reputation
- Dating etiquette/skills (Young Adults only)
Contact
Contact the UAB PEERS® team at peers@uab.edu for more information or to be added to a mailing list for PEERS® intervention groups. You can also call 205-934-1046 to leave a message for the UAB PEERS® team.
UAB PEERS® is offered via telehealth or in-person; preferences for this are discussed during intake. PEERS® may not be appropriate for everyone who is interested, so there is a screening process for participation. There are several steps for determining whether this program is appropriate for a teen or young adult:
- Interested teens or young adults or their caregivers can contact the UAB PEERS® team by phone or email.
- A team member will schedule a time to complete a brief screening interview by phone. This will add the teen or young adult participant to the waiting list.
- Based on information from the phone interview, an in-person or telehealth interview may be scheduled with the teen or young adult and their caregiver or social coach. This interview is typically scheduled prior to the beginning of the next available group.
- When there is an opening in an appropriate group, participants who have completed Step 3 will receive an invitation to join.
Enrollment is limited. Caregiver or social coach participation is required. Regular attendance is essential. Groups are offered for 14- or 16-week segments, and screening and enrollment is ongoing. Group placement is determined by the UAB PEERS® team based on screening, intake, and group dynamics and needs.