PEERS: Building Social Skills for Lasting Friendships

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a 14-week, evidence-based social skills program designed for motivated teens who want to improve their ability to make and maintain friendships. Each session teaches essential social skills through guided practice with peers, while parents receive simultaneous training on how to support and advocate for their teen in real-world settings. This program empowers both teens and their families with practical strategies for building meaningful social connections.

The curriculum developed by University of California — Los Angeles (UCLA) covers the following topics:

Conversational Skills
Choosing Appropriate Friends
Appropriate Use of Humor
Entering a Conversation
Exiting a Conversation
Hosting Get-Togethers
Demonstrating Good Sportsmanship
Responding to Teasing and Embarassing Feedback
Responding to Bullying and Bad Reputations
Handling Disagreements
Responding to Rumors and Gossip
Electronic Communication

Bright Stars Transition Group

Bright Stars is a transitional group program designed for children ages 8–13, helping them move from one-on-one therapy to small group instruction. This program focuses on developing the essential skills needed to succeed in a self-contained classroom setting. Our goal is to prepare children for learning in the least restrictive environment within their home school district, ensuring a smooth and confident transition from therapy to a more independent educational experience.

Our Bright Star Transition Group Focuses On:

General Classroom Instruction & Movement
Following Group Instruction
Increasing Independent & Self-Led Time
Completing Multi-Step Tasks
Tolerance to Peer Interactions
Developing Leisure Time Skills
Beginning Job Training Skills
Solidifying Hygiene Routines
Meal Prep & Feeding

Summer Social Skills

Creating Brighter Futures offers multiple different small group summer social skills program for children with autism and other developmental disabilities ages 6–13. Children are grouped based on age and skill level. This program runs 3 full days (8:30–4:00) per week for 10 weeks each summer (mid June to mid August). These groups are designed for children who participate in some component of their general education program during the school year and are in need of consistent routine over the summer.

Skills Targeted in the Summer Social Skills Group:

Completing Independent Work
Group Projects
Friendship Skills
Good Sportsmanship
Conversation Skills
Beginning Hygiene Skills
Beginning Meal Prep Skills
Emotion Regulation