Having one or two close friends is predictive of later adjustment and:
- Can buffer the impact of stressful life events
- Correlates positively with self-esteem
- Increases independence
- Correlates negatively with depression and anxiety
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are friendships so important?
Do you offer any social skills programs for children in elementary school or younger?
The Children's Friendship Program offers social skills programs for children in grades 2-6. As well as parenting programs for parents with children ages 2-12. For more information, please visit their website at www.semel.ucla.edu/socialskills.
What if I don't live near UCLA?
We are trying to make the PEERS intervention available to families outside of the Los Angeles area, and have created a specialized PEERS Training Seminar. The PEERS Training Seminar is solely for mental health professionals and educators who are interested in learning and/or implementing the PEERS intervention and research in their clinical practice or school setting.
- Attached is a list of CERTIFIED PEERS PROVIDERS - USA as well as a list for international CERTIFIED PEERS PROVIDERS - INTERNATIONAL. Browse through the lists to find one in your area. (Adobe Reader needed to view document.)
Do you offer a PEERS Training Seminar for parents?
Currently our Training Seminars are solely for mental health professionals or educators. However, in the future we hope to have materials and/or presentations available for parents. If you are currently working with a psychologist or psychiatrist who you feel may be interested in attending the PEERS Training Seminar, please feel free to provide them with the our contact information.
Additionally, the PEERS manual is designed as a guide for mental health professionals who wish to implement the PEERS intervention in their clinical practice. If you are currently working with a mental health professional, you may wish to direct them to the publisher's website at: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415872034/ to order a copy of the manual.
How can I purchase a PEERS Treatment Manual?
To purchase the PEERS Treatment Manual, please visit our publisher's website at: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415872034/
What additional resources do you recommend for teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders?
- Nathanson Family Resource Center nathanson.npih.ucla.edu
- Tarjan Center for Developmental Disabilities tarjancenter.ucla.edu
- The Help Group www.thehelpgroup.org
- Autism Research Institute (ARI) www.autism.com
- Autism Society of America www.autism-society.org
- AutismInfo www.autisminfo.com
- Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org
- Center for the Study of Autism www.autism.org
- Developmental Disabilities Resource Center www.ddrcco.com
What makes PEERS unique from other social skills programs?
Unlike other social skills programs, our program,
- Is evidence-based.
- Includes parents.
- Teaches ecologically valid social skills.
- Tailors teaching methods to shared social skills deficits.
Why is parent participation so important for social skills training?
Research shows that parental support, instruction and supervision all have significant effects upon their child’s friendships. By learning to be effective social coaches, aiding in homework completion, providing opportunties for peer interaction, and giving guidance on interpersonal problem-solving, parents contribute to their children's sucessful completion of our program, as well as future social sucesses.
Is PEERS only for people with ASD?
PEERS is not only for people with ASD. PEERS has been found to be effective for people with a variety of dianoses, including but not limited to ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Social Phobias, Bipolar Disorder, and OCD.
When do the next groups start?
- The next young adult group begins 3/12/12.
- The next teen group begins on 5/23/12.
Please contact us to initiate the enrollment process.
