“How the UCLA PEERS Program Teaches Autistic Youth the Science of Building Friendships”

**How the UCLA PEERS Program Teaches Autistic Youth the Science of Building Friendships**

For many individuals on the autism spectrum, navigating the complexities of social interactions can be a significant challenge. While neurotypical individuals often pick up social skills intuitively, autistic youth may require explicit instruction to understand the unwritten rules of social engagement. Recognizing this need, the UCLA PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) program has emerged as a groundbreaking initiative that equips autistic youth with the tools to build and maintain meaningful friendships. By blending evidence-based strategies with a structured curriculum, PEERS is transforming the way social skills are taught and empowering participants to thrive in their social lives.

### The Science Behind PEERS

Developed in 2005 by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, a licensed clinical psychologist and an associate clinical professor at UCLA, the PEERS program is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. Unlike traditional social skills training, which often focuses on general advice or abstract concepts, PEERS takes a highly practical and research-driven approach. The program teaches specific, actionable strategies for social interaction, breaking down complex social behaviors into manageable steps.

PEERS is designed for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are motivated to make friends but struggle with the nuances of social communication. The program also involves parents or caregivers, who are trained as “social coaches” to reinforce the skills learned in sessions and provide ongoing support in real-world settings.

### The Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide to Friendship

The PEERS curriculum is structured around the idea that social skills can be taught like any other subject—through explicit instruction, modeling, practice, and feedback. Each session focuses on a specific aspect of social interaction, with topics ranging from how to start a conversation to handling rejection or conflict. Here’s a closer look at some of the key components of the program:

1. **Making and Keeping Friends**
One of the foundational lessons in PEERS is understanding how to identify potential friends and initiate contact. Participants learn strategies for finding common interests, joining group activities, and using conversational “entry lines” to break the ice. For example, instead of abruptly joining a group conversation, participants are taught to observe the group first, identify the topic being discussed, and then contribute a relevant comment.

2. **Two-Way Conversations**
Many autistic individuals struggle with the give-and-take nature of conversations. PEERS teaches the importance of reciprocity, such as asking follow-up questions, showing interest in the other person’s perspective, and avoiding monologues. Role-playing exercises help participants practice these skills in a supportive environment.

3. **Handling Rejection and Bullying**
Social rejection and bullying are unfortunately common experiences for autistic youth. PEERS addresses these challenges by teaching participants how to respond assertively but calmly. For instance, participants learn to use humor or nonchalant responses to deflect teasing,

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