Frequently Asked Questions

The PEERS® program is aimed at motivated teens who are struggling with making and keeping friends and are interested in ways to develop more meaningful connections with peers. It is important that the teens are eager to participate in the program in order to achieve the best outcomes.

No. PEERS® has also been shown to be effective for individuals with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and other social challenges.

The PEERS® social skills for adolescents program is aimed at children aged 11-18  years. The PEERS® program for Young Adults is available for individuals who have completed their secondary schooling.

PEERS® is the only evidence-based social skills program for young people with autism in the world. Studies of the internationally acclaimed program have shown that long-term treatment outcomes for participants are very positive. Between 1-5 years after the completion of the program, individuals have been shown to: maintain the social skills they have learnt, have a higher number of social get-togethers with peers, display decreased problematic behaviours, and improved social cognition, awareness and communication.

When the PEERS® program is delivered in group workshops, via online sessions and individually, parents/carers are trained to be social coaches and are integral to the success of the program. Parents/carers are taught how to assist their young people in making and keeping friends by helping expand their young person's social network and providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialisation homework.

PEERS® delivered in the school setting is slightly different; however, parents/carers are still involved in the program on a regular basis.

The homework component of the PEERS® program helps young people practice the skills they have learnt in a context that is different to the workshop. This helps to improve generalisation of the skills.

Affinity Skill Development offers a range of delivery methods. We have:

• in-person group workshops, 
• online group workshops, 
• boot camps, 
• individual sessions, and 
• school-based programs.

Contact us if you'd like to find out more.

We meet with parents/carers and young people to ensure that PEERS® is a good fit for you. The intake interviews take between 60-90 minutes. Affinity Skill Development can offer these interviews in-person or online.

The cost will vary slightly depending on the manner the program is delivered and group sizes. When you sign up for PEERS®, it is expected that you attend every week of the program; this is integral to the success of the intervention. Please contact us to express your interest regarding which delivery method you would prefer; we will then be able to provide further information regarding pricing.

Affinity Skill Development offers services that are supported by the NDIS. We recommend that you consult the NDIS if you are unsure about your funding or the management of your plan.

Affinity Skill Development offers a range of other services in addition to the PEERS® program.  We deliver professional development sessions for educators that cover a range of topics including: 

• Teaching Diverse Learners
• Improving Inclusion
• Supporting Students with Autism.

Contact us to find out more.

Our Affinity Ambassadors program encourages school students to support and promote Affinity Skill Development's ethos in the school context. The core aim of this program is to improve young people's understanding of others and acceptance of difference in schools to work towards more inclusive school environments.

To implement the Affinity Ambassador program at your school, student and staff professional development sessions run by Affinity Skill Development are mandatory.