The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®), offered through the Autism Clinical Center, is an evidence-based social skills intervention designed to help children and teens build meaningful friendships and strengthen everyday social communication.
AUTISM CLINICAL CENTER
PEERS® Social Skills Program
Help your child make and keep friends with this evidence-based social skills program
Overview
The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®), offered through the Autism Clinical Center, is an evidence-based social skills program that helps children and teens build friendships and improve everyday social communication.
For younger children, the program is delivered in a parent-focused format, equipping caregivers with tools, coaching strategies, and guided practice to support their child’s social development in natural settings like playdates and school. For teens, the program includes both participant and caregiver sessions, combining direct skill-building with peer practice and ongoing parent-supported coaching. Both programs share the goal of building confidence, relationships, and social success.
PEERS® for Preschooler Parents
Virtual
Monday, July 6–Wednesday, August 26
Twice a week for 8 weeks | Mondays and Wednesdays
9:00am–10:30am ET
Parents/caregivers of children ages 4–6
$4,240
Prior to financial aid; $265/session
Additional Information
A free 15-minute pre-screening with an assessment for group readiness will occur before admission into the group is confirmed.
This program is virtual and open to families located in New York.
Eligibility
Children with social or behavioral challenges, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or social pragmatic communication disorder.
PEERS® for Teens
Currently running (Mondays, March 23–June 29*)
*Skipping one week for spring break and May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
5:00pm–6:30pm ET
Teens ages 13–16 and their parents/caregivers
$4,200*
*Includes complimentary pre-screening
Additional Information
A free 15-minute pre-screening with an assessment for group readiness will occur before admission into the group is confirmed.
Eligibility
Teens with social or behavioral challenges, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or social pragmatic communication disorder. Parent participation is required.
Why This Program?
The PEERS® Program equips children and teens with essential social skills while empowering caregivers to actively support their development. Benefits include:
Practical, Real-World Social Skills
Skills range from early play and interaction basics for young children to conversation, and conflict resoultion for teens.
Family-Centered Support
Caregivers play an active role in the program, gaining tools and strategies to coach social skills and reinforce progress.
Meaningful Social Connections
Participants build and practice skills that support making and maintaining friendships.
What to Expect and Outcomes
Teen Participants
Teens participate in a weekly, clinician-led social skills group focused on building and practicing core communication and friendship skills with peers. Parents will attend a separate, concurrent session during the same time block, where they learn evidence-based strategies to support skill generalization at home through guided coaching and weekly socialization homework.
Preschool Parent/Caregiver Participants
The program will be delivered in a parent-focused format, equipping caregivers with tools, coaching strategies, and guided practice to support their child’s social development in natural settings like playdates and school.
The goal across all versions of PEERS® is the same: to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and help participants successfully navigate social interactions in their daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is for children and teens who have:
- Social/behavioral challenges
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD
- Social pragmatic communication disorder
Teen participants in the PEERS® program will:
- Learn to initiate and host get-togethers
- Learn to navigate and appropriately use electronic communication
- Learn to talk with peers on a variety of topics
- Learn to solve social conflict and resolve disagreements
Caregivers and parent participants in the PEERS® program will:
- Get coaching strategies and guided practice to support their child’s social development in natural settings.
The goal across all versions of PEERS® is the same: to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and help participants successfully navigate social interactions in their daily lives.
If a participant cannot attend and we are notified at least 7 days prior to the start date of the program we will issue a refund, excluding a $300 non-refundable deposit for administrative fees. At the time of registration full payment is required to reserve a space. If less than 7 days notification is given, no refund will be provided.
Yes. We welcome children and families from across the country and around the world. Our website has more information on how to get here and our recommended hotels close by our office.
While both programs support children and their caregivers, they are designed for different age groups and goals.
PEERS® for Preschoolers is designed for caregivers of children ages 4–6 with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, social communication challenges, and/or general difficulties making or keeping friends. It focuses specifically on helping young children build social skills and peer relationship skills. The program teaches caregivers how to coach and support their child through real-world social situations like playdates, sharing, managing frustration, taking turns, and making friends. It is best suited for families looking to strengthen their child’s social confidence and peer interactions.
Autism Behavior Support is designed for caregivers of children ages 7–12 with autism spectrum disorder who may be experiencing challenging behaviors at home, school, or in community settings. The program focuses on understanding the purpose of behaviors, building routines, increasing cooperation, reducing disruptive behaviors, and developing adaptive skills.
In short:
- PEERS® for Preschoolers (ages 4–6) focuses on social connection, friendship skills, and peer interaction
- Autism Behavior Support (ages 7–12) focuses on behavior management and daily functioning strategies
The right fit depends on each child’s individual strengths, challenges, age, and treatment goals.
Ready to Get Started?
Please submit our interest form or call us at 212.308.3118.
More Autism Clinical Center Treatments & Services
Our Autism Clinical Center also offers the following specialized group treatment programs and services.
Autism Behavior Support for Parents
Building skills, structure, and confidence for families navigating disruptive behavior in autism.
Autism Evaluations
Comprehensive evaluations for autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders using the gold standard diagnostic tools.
Children’s Friendship Training
A 12-week evidence-based social skills program for elementary school children who experience difficulties making or keeping friends.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Request an appointment at the Child Mind Institute to get your child evaluated by one of our expert clinicians today.
