PEERS®
Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relationship Skills (PEERS) for Young Adults (ages 18 – 30) was
developed at The Semel Institute at UCLA and is a 16-week evidence-based social skills intervention for
motivated young adults. The intervention is intended for higher functioning adults without significant
intellectual disabilities, focusing on skills related to making and keeping friends, developing romantic
relationships, and managing conflict and rejection. During group sessions, young adults are taught important
social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills on a weekly basis.
PEERS for Young Adults is a parent/caregiver assisted intervention. Caregiver assistance through real world
social coaching is an integral part of the program. Young adults must attend each session with a social coach
(i.e., parent, family member, job coach, peer mentor, etc.) Social coaches are taught how to assist young
adults in making and keeping friends by providing feedback during weekly socialization homework
assignments.
Topics of Instruction:
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How to use appropriate conversational skills
How to find common interests by trading information
How to appropriately use humour
How to enter and exit conversations between peers
How to be a good host during get-togethers
How to choose appropriate friends
How to be a good sport
How to handle arguments and disagreements
Dating etiquette/skills
How to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying
What are the participation requirements?
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Young adult must have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Have difficulties establishing and / or maintaining friendships
Demonstrates emerging social skills (interest in engaging with peers, attempts to verbally
communicate, manages emotions in a non-aggressive way) and an interest in building relationships
with same-aged peers
Young adult must between the ages of 18 and 30
Young adult must be interested in attending the program and must agree to participate in the program
voluntarily
Both the young adult and 1 designated social coach (parent, family member, job coach, peer mentor,
etc.) must commit to attending the entire 16 week program (consideration will be given if someone is
ill)
When will PEERS run?
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Thursday evenings starting Jan. 12, 2017 – May 4, 2017 (with a one week break over March Break)
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Additional dates may be added or combined in the event of inclement weather.
Where will PEERS take place?
Kerry’s Place Autism Services
38 Berczy St.
Aurora, Ont.
What is the cost of PEERS?
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A non-refundable fee of $320 will be charged to families.
Who will be facilitating PEERS?
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Kevin Reinhardt, MA. C. Psych
Jamie Read, Autism Ontario Family Support Coordinator
Jenna Emery, Kerry’s Place Autism Services
Additional Coaches will also assist with the program
How do I register for the PEERS program?
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Complete registration at:
https://secure.kerrysplace.org/community/Programs.aspx?currenttab=Groups&i_loc=
You will be contacted for an initial telephone interview to assess the appropriateness of the program
for your young adult. An in-person intake visit will be scheduled following the initial phone screening if
the program is appropriate.
Please note that only young adults who meet the participation requirements will be eligible for the
program
Disclaimer: This program is a partnership between Kerry’s Place Autism Services – Central Region (Kerry’s Place) and Autism Ontario
– York Chapter (Autism Ontario). In order to work collaboratively, we will need to share the information provided at registration, as
well as any information gathered during the screening process and throughout program delivery. By proceeding with registration,
you will be conclusively deemed to have agreed to this aforementioned sharing of information between Kerry’s Place and Autism
Ontario.
Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)
Both parties acknowledge that the collection of information is subject to the provisions of PHIPA and undertake to comply with the
provisions of that Act.
Should you have any concerns or questions regarding this disclaimer, please contact Sheena Etemadzadeh, Manager of Community
Supports: [email protected]