Our Social Skills program is based on the UCLA-developed PEERS® curriculum — one of the most researched social skills interventions in the world, used in over 150 countries and developed by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson at UCLA. At PEERS® RVA, we’ve adapted this evidence-based program into a 16-week course that meets once a week for one hour, giving students consistent, manageable practice over time.
Classes are taught by experienced instructors who have worked with teens and young adults either through professional teaching backgrounds or specialized training in working with neurodivergent students. Our small class sizes ensure every participant gets real attention and meaningful feedback throughout the course.
How it Works
At the start of the program, each student completes a brief pre-assessment to capture where they are with handling different social situations. At the end of the 16 weeks, they take the same assessment again — giving students and families a clear, concrete picture of the growth that’s happened.
Throughout the course, instructors complete regular progress reports on each student and meet with their social coach to review areas of growth and any places where extra support might help. These reports are shared with parents so families stay informed and connected to what their student is accomplishing.
The Social Coach model
What makes PEERS® RVA different from a traditional class is the social coach. Every student is paired with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult who is heavily involved in their daily life. Social coaches are kept up to date on what’s covered each week and are actively encouraged to help reinforce the material at home — holding students accountable in a supportive way and helping them practice their new skills in real-world situations. This family-centered model is a core part of why the PEERS® approach works.
In Person and Online
Our Social Skills classes are available both in person and online so families can find the format that works best for them.
In-person classes involve structured role-playing, active conversation practice, and collaborative group activities that let students apply what they’re learning in a safe, supportive environment with their peers.
Online classes include live instruction, video lessons, assessments, and curriculum tracking — delivering the full PEERS® experience to students anywhere in the country.
