Based in Melbourne’s Inner-North

PEERS® Program

Start your social journey right here!

Term 3 enrolment now open!
Places Limited

A safe, welcoming space designed for teens to engage in person.

The PEERS® Program (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a globally recognized, evidence-based social skills intervention program. It supports adolescents and adults navigating challenges related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other social difficulties.

Grounded in research and real-world practice, PEERS® helps participants build meaningful connections, improve communication, and develop lasting relational skills in a structured, supportive environment.

Three teenagers, two boys and one girl, talking outdoors during sunset.

What is the PEERS® Program?

PEERS® is an evidence based social skills program designed to help teens and adults who find social situations challenging—whether due to autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other emotional and communication differences.

Developed by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson at UCLA, this internationally respected program includes active support for parents and caregivers. It’s not just about learning skills—it’s about building confidence, connection, and community.

Group of five young friends sitting in a circle on the grass in a forest during sunset, smiling and talking.

What Makes PEERS® So Effective?

🤝 Builds Real-World Social Confidence
Participants learn how to make and keep friends, handle conflict, and engage in everyday conversations with ease.

🧠 Strengthens Emotional Awareness & Empathy
Through guided practice, teens develop a deeper understanding of others and themselves.

🗣️ Improves Communication Skills
From reading social cues to expressing thoughts clearly, PEERS® helps unlock meaningful interaction.

🎯 Encourages Positive Behaviour & Self-Regulation
Teens gain tools for assertiveness, cooperation, and managing emotions in social settings.

🎉 Fosters Belonging & Joy
As social confidence grows, so does participation in hobbies, group activities, and friendships—reducing isolation and boosting wellbeing.

A group of children walking on a dirt trail through a colorful flower field during sunset.

What to Expect in the PEERS® Program

PEERS® offers a practical, engaging pathway for teens and young adults to strengthen their social confidence—step by step, in a supportive group setting.

Participants explore key areas such as:

  • Starting and maintaining conversations

  • Using humour appropriately

  • Making and keeping friends

  • Navigating texting and online communication

  • Responding to teasing and bullying

  • Managing disagreements calmly

  • Planning social hangouts

  • Understanding dating and relationships

  • Addressing sensitive topics (for young adults only)

Each session blends clear instruction with role-play demonstrations and real-world practice. Participants rehearse new skills in small breakout groups, guided by our experienced team of clinical psychologists and educators who offer direct coaching and encouragement.

Silhouettes of six friends standing on a beach during sunset.

Why Families Choose PEERS®

PEERS® isn’t just popular—it’s evidence based. Backed by years of research and clinical trials, this program has helped teens and young adults make lasting strides in their social lives, with benefits that continue well beyond the course.

Here’s what the research shows:

  • Stronger Social Skills
    After completing PEERS®, participants show meaningful improvements in how they interact with others—becoming more cooperative, confident, and emotionally regulated in social settings.

  • Better Communication
    Teens learn to express themselves clearly and tune into others’ cues, making conversations smoother and more rewarding.

  • Increased Empathy
    As social understanding grows, so does the ability to relate to others—leading to deeper, more authentic connections.

  • Less Loneliness, More Belonging
    With new skills and greater confidence, participants engage more in hobbies, group activities, and friendships—reducing isolation and boosting wellbeing.

  • More Invitations, More Friendships
    Caregivers often report a noticeable rise in social invitations from peers outside the program—a sign that real-world relationships are taking root.

And the best part? These gains appear to last. Studies show that the benefits of PEERS® continue for years after the program ends.

What Does “Evidence-Based” Really Mean?

When we say PEERS® is evidence-based, we mean it’s backed by rigorous research—not just good intentions. The program has undergone extensive clinical trials and long-term studies to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Every strategy taught in PEERS® is grounded in data, showing real improvements in social skills, emotional understanding, and peer relationships. It’s not just theory—it’s proven practice that helps teens and young adults thrive socially.

Details

Session Dates: Sat 20th Oct - Sat 1st Nov

Duration: 1 session a week for 7 sessions

Where: Oak Park

Who: motivated teens and young adults!

 

Start Your Journey

Enquire about enrolment now!

  • PEERS® 7-Week Program
    $357 per week (all-inclusive - 2 hour session)

  • If you or your teen are supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you may be able to use your plan to access the PEERS® Program.

    NDIS is designed to give individuals greater choice and control over the supports they receive—especially when it comes to building social, emotional, and behavioural skills. PEERS® aligns closely with these goals, helping participants grow in confidence, connection, and independence.

    Funding Categories That May Apply

    Our program may be claimable under the Capacity Building category, particularly:

    • Improved Relationships

    • Improved Daily Living Skills

    If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you may be eligible to claim the cost of our groups and services—depending on your individual goals and funding structure.

    To learn more about NDIS eligibility and how to apply your funding, visit the official NDIS website.

  • 120-minute session led by Clinical Psychologists, and cofacilitated by Educators or Teachers.

    Mentoring & Support
    A 90-minute session for parents or carers, guided by a clinical psychologist

    Ongoing guidance for parents and carers throughout the program

    Resources Provided
    Tailored materials for both participants and their social coaches

    Weekly Practice Tasks
    Real-world homework to reinforce skills between session

    This structure ensures that participants are supported both in-session and at home—building confidence, connection, and lasting social growth