Why One-on-One Social Skills Coaching Can Be a Game Changer

If your child or teen is struggling with social skills, you've probably considered group programs, school-based interventions, or therapy. But have you thought about one-on-one social skills coaching?

While group programs have their place, individualised coaching offers something unique: personalised attention, tailored strategies, and a safe space to learn without the pressure of performing in front of peers. For many neurodivergent young people—especially those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD—one-on-one coaching can be the difference between struggling and thriving.

At Strivesocial, we specialise in one-on-one autism coaching in Melbourne (and across Australia via telehealth), using evidence-based programs like PEERS® to help young people build real, lasting social skills. In this post, we'll explain why individualised coaching works, who benefits most, and what you can expect from the process.

What Is One-on-One Social Skills Coaching?

One-on-one social skills coaching is a personalised, structured approach to teaching social and relational skills. Unlike generic therapy or group classes, individualised coaching focuses specifically on:

• Teaching concrete, practical skills – How to start conversations, make friends, handle conflict, and navigate social situations

• Tailoring strategies to the individual – Every young person has different strengths, challenges, and goals

• Providing a safe, judgement-free space – Learning without the pressure of peers watching

• Practising skills through role-play and real-world homework – Theory alone doesn't work; practice is essential

• Involving parents or carers – So they can support and reinforce skills at home

At Strivesocial, we use the PEERS® Program—an evidence-based curriculum developed at UCLA—as the foundation for our coaching. PEERS teaches the same social skills that socially successful teens use, broken down into clear, step-by-step lessons.

Why One-on-One Coaching Works Better Than Group Programs (for Some Teens)

Group social skills programs can be valuable, but they're not for everyone. Here's why one-on-one coaching is often more effective:

1. Personalised to Your Teen's Unique Needs

Every young person is different. One teen might struggle with starting conversations, while another finds it hard to read social cues or handle teasing. In a group setting, the coach has to teach to the "middle"—which means some participants don't get the specific support they need.

With one-on-one coaching:

• Lessons are tailored to your teen's specific challenges and goals

• The coach can spend extra time on areas where your teen needs more support

• Progress moves at your teen's pace—not too fast, not too slow

• Real-life scenarios from your teen's actual social life are used as teaching examples

2. No Pressure to Perform in Front of Peers

For many neurodivergent teens, the idea of practising social skills in front of other people is terrifying. They worry about:

• Being judged or laughed at

• Making mistakes in front of others

• Comparing themselves to peers who seem more socially skilled

• Feeling overwhelmed by group dynamics

One-on-one coaching removes this pressure. Your teen can:

• Ask questions without embarrassment

• Make mistakes and learn from them in a safe space

• Practice skills repeatedly until they feel confident

• Focus entirely on their own learning without distractions

3. Deeper, More Meaningful Progress

In a group, the coach's attention is divided among multiple participants. In one-on-one coaching, 100% of the coach's attention is on your teen. This means:

• More time for questions and clarification

• Immediate, personalised feedback during role-play

• Deeper exploration of specific social challenges

• Stronger coach-client relationship, which builds trust and motivation

4. Flexibility in Scheduling and Delivery

Group programs run on fixed schedules, which can be hard to fit around school, therapy, and family commitments. One-on-one coaching offers:

• Flexible session times that work for your family

• Online or in-person delivery (whatever suits your teen best)

• Ability to pause or adjust the program if life gets busy

• Sessions that can be extended or shortened based on your teen's needs

5. Better for Teens with Sensory Sensitivities or Anxiety

Group settings can be overwhelming for teens who:

• Have sensory processing challenges (noise, crowded spaces, etc.)

• Experience social anxiety

• Struggle with attention or focus in group environments

• Find it hard to filter out distractions

One-on-one coaching provides a calm, controlled environment where your teen can focus on learning without sensory or social overload.

Who Benefits Most from One-on-One Social Skills Coaching?

While anyone can benefit from individualised coaching, it's particularly effective for:

Teens and Young Adults with ASD

Many neurodivergent young people struggle with:

• Understanding unspoken social rules

• Reading facial expressions and body language

• Starting and maintaining conversations

• Making and keeping friends

• Handling teasing, gossip, or conflict

One-on-one autism coaching in Melbourne (and beyond) provides the explicit, step-by-step instruction that teens need to navigate social situations successfully.

Teens with ADHD

ADHD can make social interactions challenging due to:

• Impulsivity (interrupting, saying things without thinking)

• Difficulty reading social cues

• Trouble staying focused in conversations

• Emotional regulation challenges

Individualised coaching helps teens with ADHD develop strategies to manage these challenges and build stronger social connections.

Teens with Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can make group programs feel impossible. One-on-one coaching provides:

• A safe, low-pressure environment to practice

• Gradual exposure to social situations (starting small and building up)

• Strategies to manage anxiety in real-world social settings

Teens Who've Experienced Bullying or Social Rejection

If your teen has been bullied or repeatedly rejected by peers, they may have:

• Lost confidence in their social abilities

• Developed a fear of social situations

• Withdrawn from social opportunities

One-on-one coaching helps rebuild confidence and teaches practical strategies to navigate social challenges without fear.

Teens Transitioning to New Social Environments

Big transitions—starting high school, changing schools, moving to a new area, or starting university—can be socially overwhelming. Coaching provides:

• Strategies for making friends in new environments

• Confidence to approach new social situations

• Tools to handle the stress of change

What Does One-on-One Social Skills Coaching Look Like?

At Strivesocial, our one-on-one coaching follows a structured, evidence-based approach using the PEERS® Program. Here's what you can expect:

Step 1: Free 15-Minute Consultation

We start with a brief, no-obligation chat to:

• Understand your teen's specific challenges and goals

• Explain how the PEERS® Program works

• Answer any questions you have about coaching, NDIS funding, or logistics

• Determine if one-on-one coaching is the right fit

Step 2: Intake and Goal Setting

Once you're ready to proceed, we:

• Complete a simple intake form to gather background information

• Set clear, measurable goals (e.g., "Make two new friends at school," "Handle teasing without getting upset," "Start conversations with peers")

• Discuss logistics (session times, online vs. in-person, NDIS invoicing)

Step 3: Weekly Coaching Sessions

Sessions typically run for 10–14 weeks (or longer if needed), with each session lasting approximately one hour. Here's the structure:

Review of Homework

Each week, your teen completes a real-world homework assignment (e.g., starting a conversation with a classmate, texting a friend, organising a get-together). We review how it went, what worked, and what to adjust.

Didactic Lesson

We introduce a new social skill—such as trading information in conversations, choosing appropriate friends, handling disagreements, or using social media appropriately. Skills are taught explicitly, with clear explanations of the "what," "why," and "how."

Role-Play and Practice

Your teen practices the new skill through role-play with the coach. This is a safe space to make mistakes, get feedback, and refine their approach before trying it in the real world.

Homework Assignment

Your teen is given a specific task to practice the skill in their everyday life. Practice is essential—social skills improve through repetition and real-world application.

Step 4: Parent Coaching and Support

Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing skills at home. We provide:

• Regular updates on your teen's progress

• Strategies to support and coach your teen between sessions

• Guidance on how to create opportunities for social practice

Research shows that parent involvement significantly improves outcomes in social skills programs.

Step 5: Ongoing Support and Advanced Skills

After completing the core PEERS® Program, many teens benefit from:

• Advanced coaching on workplace social skills, dating, or university life

• Periodic "check-in" sessions to maintain progress

• Transition to group activities or community programs to practice skills in real-world settings

What Skills Are Taught in One-on-One Coaching?

The PEERS® Program covers a comprehensive range of social skills, including:

Conversation Skills

• How to start a conversation

• Trading information to keep conversations going

• Finding common interests

• Ending conversations politely

Making and Keeping Friends

• Choosing appropriate friends (who shares your interests and values?)

• How to join conversations and groups

• Organising get-togethers and hangouts

• Maintaining friendships over time

Electronic Communication

• Appropriate use of texting, social media, and online gaming

• How to start and maintain text conversations

• Recognising when someone isn't interested in continuing a conversation

Handling Conflict and Teasing

• Distinguishing between appropriate teasing and bullying

• Strategies for responding to teasing

• Handling disagreements without damaging relationships

• Managing gossip and rumours

Dating and Romantic Relationships (for Older Teens)

• How to show interest appropriately

• Dating etiquette

• Handling rejection

Social Reputation and Self-Presentation

• Understanding how behaviour affects reputation

• Managing online presence

• Recovering from social mistakes

Is One-on-One Coaching Covered by the NDIS?

Yes! One-on-one social skills coaching is fully funded under the NDIS for eligible participants. It falls under several capacity-building categories, including:

• Improved Daily Living

• Improved Relationships

• Social and Community Participation

• Improved Learning

At Strivesocial, we're a registered NDIS provider, which means:

• We invoice directly through your plan manager or the NDIS portal

• Sessions are charged at $80 per hour, in line with NDIS pricing guidelines

• We handle all the paperwork and reporting

• You can access our services under self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed plans

If you're unsure whether your NDIS plan covers social skills coaching, we can help you navigate the process.

Real Results: How One-on-One Coaching Changes Lives

We've seen firsthand how individualised coaching transforms the lives of young people and their families. Here are a few examples:

Blain* (14, autism) came to us struggling to make friends and feeling isolated at school. Through one-on-one PEERS coaching, Blain learned how to start conversations, read social cues, and organise get-togethers. His mum reported that he's now more confident, has made new friends, and feels more connected to his peers.

Joshua* (young adult, autism) needed support with workplace social skills and job interview preparation. Through tailored coaching, Joshua learned how to navigate workplace conversations, handle feedback, and present himself professionally. He's now successfully employed and thriving in his role.

Christ* (teen, autism) completed the PEERS Program and went from feeling lonely and isolated to having a group of friends and successfully transitioning to a new school. His mum described the program as "life-changing."

These stories remind us why individualised coaching matters. Every young person deserves to feel connected, understood, and valued—and one-on-one coaching provides the personalised support to make that happen.

One-on-One vs. Group Coaching: Which Is Right for Your Teen?

Both one-on-one and group coaching have their place. Here's how to decide:

Choose One-on-One Coaching If Your Teen:

• Feels anxious or overwhelmed in group settings

• Has specific, unique social challenges that need tailored support

• Needs to move at their own pace (faster or slower than a group)

• Has sensory sensitivities or attention challenges

• Has experienced bullying or social rejection and needs to rebuild confidence

• Prefers privacy and doesn't want to practice in front of peers

Consider Group Coaching If Your Teen:

• Is comfortable practising social skills with peers

• Would benefit from observing and learning from others

• Needs opportunities to practice group dynamics in a structured setting

• Is ready to transition from one-on-one coaching to real-world social practice

At Strivesocial, we offer both options—and we can help you decide which is the best fit for your teen's needs and goals.

Why Choose Strivesocial for One-on-One Autism Coaching in Melbourne?

At Strivesocial, we're passionate about helping neurodivergent young people build the social skills they need to thrive. Here's what sets us apart:

• Evidence-based approach: We use the PEERS Program, one of the most researched and effective social skills programs in the world

• PEERS® Certified Provider: We're trained and accredited to deliver PEERS with fidelity to the evidence-based model

• Registered NDIS provider: We're experienced in working with NDIS participants and make the funding process straightforward

• Flexible delivery: Online (telehealth) or in-person sessions to suit your needs

• Personalised and compassionate: We tailor every session to your teen's unique strengths, challenges, and goals

• No waitlist: We can often start within a week of your consultation

• Parent involvement: We equip parents with the tools to support their teen's progress at home

• Local expertise: Based in Melbourne's outer east, with deep understanding of Australian school and social contexts

Ready to See the Difference One-on-One Coaching Can Make?

If you're ready to give your teen the personalised support they need to build confidence, make friends, and navigate social situations successfully, Strivesocial is here to help.

Book a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about our one-on-one coaching and how we can support your family.

📞 Phone: 0408 707 866
📧 Email: julie@strivesocial.com.au
🌐 Website: www.strivesocial.com.au

Final Thoughts

One-on-one social skills coaching isn't just about teaching your teen how to make friends—it's about giving them the tools, confidence, and support they need to build meaningful relationships and participate fully in their community.

For many neurodivergent young people, individualised coaching is the game changer that helps them go from struggling and isolated to confident and socially connected.

Because every young person deserves personalised support to help them thrive.