VALIANT PEERS® Social Skills ProgRams

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•  Want to make friends more easily
• Want to interact with the real world and not just electronics
•  Are intelligent, creative, but seem to miss connecting with peers
• May be easily led to negative behaviors to get attention or feel accepted
• Are well meaning, but sometimes awkward

PEERS® was developed for neurodivergent tweens, teens and young adults and for those with anxiety, depression, and other socioemotional challenges.

• Is evidence-based
• Includes parents as social coaches
• Teaches ecologically valid social skills
• Tailors teaching methods to shared social skills 

Research shows that parental support, instruction, and supervision significantly benefit the development of friendships. Parent/Social Coach groups are part of the program, and depending on program format will meet before, after or concurrently with the young adult groups.

The PEERS® Program was developed by psychologist and researcher Elizabeth Laugeson at UCLA's Semel Institute. Valiant PEERS® Program Providers are Certified through the UCLA Semel Institute.