Strengthen Social Skills FAQ

PEERS® is for anyone who struggles socially and is seeking to improve friendships.

It has a strong evidence-base for use with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. It is also appropriate for adolescents and young adults with anxiety, depression, and other socioemotional problems.

Classes are arranged by age group.

· PEERS® Is evidence-based

· Includes and educates parents to be social coaches

· Teaches based on how socially successful individuals behave

· Breaks down social skills into understandable steps

· Builds in the generalization of skills to “real life” settings

· Teaches skills that transfer to the workplace

PEERS® has been researched since 2004, found to be effective and that skills are maintained 3 to 5 years following the classes. (Laugeson et al., 2013). PEERS skills are

Through our PEERS classes, adolescents and young adults will learn how to lessen social anxiety, enjoy and increase social activities with this research-based curriculum taught by experienced mental health professionals who have worked in the Autism field for over 20 years,

· How to use appropriate conversational skills

· How to find common interests by trading information

· How to appropriately use humor

· How to enter and exit conversations with peers

· How to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying

· How to handle rumors and gossip

· How to be a good host during get-togethers

· How to make phone calls to friends

· How to choose appropriate friends

· How to be a good sport

· How to handle arguments and disagreements

· Parent/social coach be able to attend concurrent sessions and assist with homework

· Youth must agree to participate in the program voluntarily and be able to attend consistently

· Be able to learn and participate in a group setting

· Ages: 9-18

· How to use appropriate conversational skills

· How to find common interests

· How to appropriately use humor

· How to enter and exit conversations between peers

· How to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying

· How to be a good host during get-togethers

· How to choose appropriate friends

· How to be a good sport

· How to handle arguments and disagreements

· Developing romantic relationships

• Between the ages of 18 –29

• Struggles with friendships and want to improve social relationships

• Can successfully learn in a small group environment

• Motivated to participate in the program

• Committed to regular attendance

Classes are held at Peace Lutheran Church, 20 Northdale Blvd in Coon Rapids.

Classes occur on Monday evenings; time varies dependent on group

Each 10 week PEERS class is $1600, and includes an individual intake session, and all sessions for both participant and parent.

The classes are provided by mental health professionals and may be billed to insurance as group therapy.

Classes may be covered by insurance, dependent on your policy. We are happy to discuss and provide necessary information for insurance reimbursement although we are currently out of network for most insurance plans.

We are in network for Minnesota Medical Assistance.

We can accept payment by HSA and waivers.