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PEERS Program: Enhancing Social Skills for Young Adults with Autism

The PEERS Program pairs young adults with autism/Asperger Syndrome with neurotypical peers to improve social skills through one-to-one settings, addressing a service gap for adolescents with autism and easing transition after graduation. Partnered with Easter Seals, the program includes peer mentorship, community service, progress monitoring, and future expansion to multiple schools and colleges. A transformative initiative empowering individuals with autism.

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PEERS Program: Enhancing Social Skills for Young Adults with Autism

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  1. PEERS: Program for Enhancing and Establishing Relational Skills URLEND Leadership Project2010/2011 Sid Davis Megan Bell Sarah Francis Jacquelynn Bradley

  2. Initial Project Idea • Partnership with the Best Buddies program • Pairing of young adults with high functioning autism/Asperger Syndrome with neurotypical peers • Original idea involved 1 hour meetings to practice conversational skills • Target young adults or college students

  3. Program Need • Existing service gap for adolescents with high functioning autism • One-to-one peer group settings have been shown to improve social skills • Utah State Office of Education reported serving 2,931 students with autism in the 2007/2008 school year • Individuals with autism loose structured social opportunities after graduation • Improving social skills in high school can ease transition after graduation

  4. Switch to Easter Seals Program • Best Buddies • Different visions and goals • Limited funding opportunities • Smaller organization through University of Utah Best Buddies Buddies program • Northern Rocky Mountain Easter Seals agency • Similar vision plans • Opportunities for development and sustainability • Janet Wade, Director of Utah Services at Easter Seals Northern Rocky Mountain

  5. PEERS Program Overview • Application process • Pairing with peer mentor • Orientation • Time commitment and expectations • Community service and volunteer sites • Progress Notes/Monthly Check-ins • Progress reports from supervisors • Email check-ins • Group socials • Provides data for Transitioning services

  6. Program Elements • PEERS Proposal – Grant Opportunities • Program Application for Participants • Logic Model Worksheet • All documents approved by Easter Seals staff and legal representatives

  7. Future Directions • Phase I: Creation of PEERS pilot project (2010/2011) • Phase II: Implementation of PEERS project in Paradigm High School (2011/2012) • Phase III: Project to expand to multiple schools and larger demographic area in the Salt Lake Valley (2012/2013) • Phase IV: PEERS to expand to include college and higher educational settings (2013)

  8. A Parent’s Perspective…

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