Helping Teens Build Lasting Friendships: An Introduction to the PEERS® Social Skills Training Program
At Kidz Steps Centre, we understand that navigating friendships and social situations can be challenging for teens with special needs. This is why we offer the PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) social skills training, a research-based program specifically designed to help high-functioning teens develop essential social skills for building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Why Choose the PEERS® Program for Your Teen?
1. Comprehensive Support for Both Teens and Parents
The PEERS® program isn’t just about helping teens – it also involves parents as active participants. Parents play a critical role in reinforcing the skills their teens learn in each session, making the training more effective and impactful. This approach helps teens practice and apply the skills they gain during sessions in real-life situations, promoting long-term social success.
- Parent Training: We require parents to attend weekly training sessions to understand what their teens are learning and how to support them with their weekly assignments.
- Flexible Meeting Options: You can choose between in-person or online meetings via Google Meet or WhatsApp, making it easier to fit your schedule.
2. Tailored for High-Functioning Teens in Mainstream Education
The PEERS® program is specifically designed for high-functioning teens who are in mainstream schools. The training involves reading, writing, and independent participation in discussions without constant support. To ensure the best fit for each participant, we conduct an intake interview to assess whether this program is suitable for your teen.
If your teen may not be ready for the PEERS® program, don’t worry – we also offer other social skills training options for teens who need a more personalized approach.
3. Carefully Designed Lessons for Real-World Skills
The PEERS® curriculum covers 13 critical topics, each designed to build the foundational skills needed for positive social interactions. These lessons include:
- Starting and maintaining conversations
- Finding and making friends
- Handling teasing, rumors, and bullying
- Reading social cues and body language
- Managing disagreements and resolving conflicts
- Building and maintaining friendships over time
We carefully structure these topics to help teens gain the confidence and skills they need to form genuine connections with their peers.
4. Led by Experienced Professionals
Our PEERS® program is conducted by a child psychologist and a registered counsellor with extensive experience in supporting teens with special needs. These professionals guide each session, drawing on their deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by teens with autism, ADHD, or other learning differences.
5. PEERS® Program Schedule and Fees
- Start Date: July 2025
- Time: Every Friday, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Duration: 15 sessions
- Fees: RM3000 (Early Bird: RM2500 if registered before June 15, 2025)
6. How to Enroll our PEERS® Program
Getting started is simple. Just give us a call to schedule a free intake interview. This one-hour session, conducted by our child psychologist or counsellor, will help determine if the PEERS® program is the right fit for your teen. After the interview, we will provide personalized feedback on whether this program is suitable for your child.
If you’re ready to help your teen gain the skills they need to form meaningful friendships and thrive socially, reach out to us today. We look forward to supporting your family on this important journey.
Empowering Teens with Special Needs: Our Social Skills Training Program
