What Is the PEERS Program and How It Helps Teens Build Real Friendships
If you're a parent of a neurodivergent teenager who struggles to make or keep friends, you're not alone. Many young people—especially those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD—find social situations confusing, overwhelming, or just plain difficult. The good news? There's an evidence-based program designed specifically to help: the PEERS Program.
At Strivesocial, we're proud to be PEERS® Certified Providers, bringing this life-changing program to families across Melbourne and beyond. In this post, we'll explain what the PEERS Program is, how it works, and why it's one of the most effective autism social skills programs available today.
What Is the PEERS Program?
PEERS stands for Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills. Developed by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson at UCLA, PEERS is an evidence-based social skills training program designed for teenagers and young adults who struggle with making and keeping friends.
Unlike generic social skills programs, PEERS teaches real-world skills that actually work in everyday situations. The program is structured, step-by-step, and based on decades of research into what helps young people build genuine, lasting friendships.
Who Is PEERS For?
The PEERS Program is ideal for:
Teenagers and young adults (ages 12–18+) on the autism spectrum
Young people with ADHD, anxiety, or depression
Teens with cognitive disabilities or social communication challenges
Anyone who finds it hard to start conversations, join groups, or maintain friendships
Whether your teen is socially isolated, frequently misunderstood, or simply wants to improve their confidence in social settings, PEERS can help.
How Does the PEERS Program Work?
The PEERS Program Melbourne sessions are delivered over 10–14 weeks (or longer for clients with additional needs), with each session lasting approximately one hour. Sessions can be delivered online via Zoom or Google Meet, or in person for families within 30 minutes of Kallista, Victoria.
Here's what makes PEERS different:
1. Evidence-Based and Structured
Every lesson in the PEERS curriculum is backed by research. The program teaches specific, concrete skills—not vague advice like "just be yourself." Teens learn exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to read social cues.
2. Real-World Application
PEERS focuses on skills that matter in everyday life, including:
Trading information to start and maintain conversations
Two-way conversations that feel natural and engaging
Choosing appropriate friends who share common interests
Handling disagreements without damaging relationships
Managing bullying, rumours, and gossip
Using electronic communication (texting, social media) appropriately
Organising get-togethers to build friendships outside of school
3. Parent Involvement
Parents or carers are actively involved in the PEERS Program. This isn't just about teaching your teen—it's about equipping you with the tools to coach and support them at home. Research shows that parent involvement significantly improves outcomes.
4. Practice and Homework
Each week, teens are given "homework assignments" to practice their new skills in real-life situations. This might include starting a conversation with a peer, texting a friend, or planning a get-together. Practice is key to building confidence and making skills stick.
Why the PEERS Program Works for Autistic Teens
The PEERS Program is one of the most researched autism social skills programs in the world. Studies have shown that participants experience:
Improved social skills knowledge and confidence
Increased frequency of get-togethers with friends
Better quality friendships and social networks
Reduced loneliness and social anxiety
Greater independence in navigating social situations
What sets PEERS apart is its focus on ecologically valid social skills—meaning the skills taught are the same ones that socially successful teens actually use. It's not about changing who your teen is; it's about giving them the tools to connect with others in ways that feel authentic and achievable.
What Does a PEERS Session Look Like?
Each PEERS session follows a clear structure:
Review of homework: Teens share their experiences practising skills from the previous week.
Didactic lesson: The facilitator introduces a new social skill, explaining the "what," "why," and "how."
Role-play practice: Teens practice the skill in a safe, supportive environment with feedback.
Behavioural rehearsal: Teens refine their skills through repeated practice.
Homework assignment: Teens are given a real-world task to complete before the next session.
Sessions are interactive, engaging, and tailored to each participant's needs. At Strivesocial, we work with individuals and small groups, ensuring every teen gets the attention and support they deserve.
Is the PEERS Program Available Through the NDIS?
Yes! The PEERS Program Melbourne is fully funded under the NDIS for eligible participants. It falls under several NDIS funding categories, including:
Improved Daily Living
Improved Relationships
Social and Community Participation
Individual Social Skills Development
At Strivesocial, we're a registered NDIS provider, which means we can work directly with your plan manager or the NDIS to make accessing the program as simple as possible. Sessions are typically charged at $80 per hour, and we handle all the invoicing and reporting.
Real Stories: How PEERS Changes Lives
We've seen firsthand how the PEERS Program transforms the lives of young people and their families. Here's one example:
Chris came to us as a teenager on the autism spectrum who was struggling to make friends at school. After completing the PEERS Program, he successfully transitioned to a new school, expanded his social circle, and reported feeling more confident in social situations. His mum described the program as "life-changing."
Stories like Chris's remind us why we do this work. Every teen deserves to feel connected, understood, and valued—and PEERS gives them the skills to make that happen.
Why Choose Strivesocial for the PEERS Program in Melbourne?
At Strivesocial, we're passionate about reducing loneliness and helping neurodivergent young people thrive. Here's what sets us apart:
PEERS® Certified Provider: We're trained and accredited to deliver the PEERS Program with fidelity to the evidence-based model.
Local and accessible: Based in the outer east of Melbourne, we offer both in-person and telehealth sessions across Australia.
NDIS registered: We're experienced in working with NDIS participants and make the funding process straightforward.
Personalised approach: Every teen is different, and we tailor our sessions to meet individual needs and goals.
Supportive and friendly: We create a safe, non-judgmental space where teens can learn, practice, and grow.
How to Get Started with the PEERS Program
Getting started is easy. Here's what to do:
Book a free 15-minute consultation: We'll chat about your teen's needs, answer your questions, and discuss how PEERS can help.
Complete the intake process: We'll send you a simple intake form and privacy documents.
Start the program: There's no waitlist—we can often start within a week of your consultation.
Ready to help your teen build real, lasting friendships? Contact Strivesocial today to book your free consultation.
📞 Phone: 0408 707 866
📧 Email: julie@strivesocial.com.au
🌐 Website: www.strivesocial.com.au
Final Thoughts
The PEERS Program isn't just about teaching social skills—it's about giving young people the confidence and tools to build meaningful relationships and navigate the world with greater ease. If your teen is struggling socially, you don't have to figure it out alone. The PEERS Program Melbourne, delivered by Strivesocial, is here to help.
Because every young person deserves to feel like they belong.
