Social Skills Intervention: Does it really work?
In a world where social connection plays a vital role in overall wellbeing, children facing challenges in forming and maintaining friendships often experience significant hurdles in their social development. However, the social skills intervention we use at Strivesocial known as the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) equips children with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of social interaction.
Developed by clinical psychologist Dr Elizabeth A. Laugeson at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the PEERS program is an evidence-based, parent-assisted intervention designed to improve social skills and foster meaningful peer relationships in children and adolescents with social challenges, including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.
At the heart of the PEERS approach lies a comprehensive curriculum covering essential social skills such as initiating conversations, making friends, joining groups, and handling peer conflict. Through a combination of didactic lessons, role-playing exercises, and real-world practice sessions, children learn practical strategies for navigating social situations with confidence and competence.
One of the key components of the PEERS program is its emphasis on parental involvement. Parents are actively engaged in the intervention process, receiving training and support to reinforce social skills learning at home and in community settings. By empowering parents as social coaches, the PEERS approach extends beyond the confines of the classroom, creating a supportive environment for ongoing skill development and generalisation.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the PEERS program in enhancing social competence and improving peer relationships among children and adolescents. Research findings published in leading journals such as the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry have shown significant improvements in social skills, friendship quality, and overall social functioning following participation in the PEERS intervention.
Moreover, the positive impact of the PEERS approach extends beyond the immediate outcomes of social skills training, with long-term benefits observed in areas such as academic achievement, mental health, and quality of life. By equipping children with the social tools they need to succeed, the PEERS program enhances their friendship connections and lays the foundation for lifelong social and emotional wellbeing.
As demand for evidence-based interventions for children's social development continues to rise, the PEERS approach stands as a beacon of hope for families navigating the challenges of social communication and interaction. With its proven effectiveness and emphasis on empowering both children and parents, the PEERS program represents a promising avenue for promoting social inclusion, fostering friendships, and unlocking the full potential of every child.
