PEERS FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS

The PEERS® Program for Pre-Schoolers is UCLA’s highly acclaimed social skills training, adapted for children aged 4–6. It is one of the only evidence-based interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and has also been shown to benefit children with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other social challenges.

Using fun, interactive methods—puppet shows, role-play demonstrations, and group activities—children learn practical, real-world skills and practice them at home each week. The program builds confidence and lays the social foundations children need to thrive at school and in daily life.

Skills Covered

Communication Skills

• Asking and using names
• Greeting friends
• Asking friends to play
• Asking for and offering help

Play & Cooperation Skills

• Sharing and taking turns
• Joining ongoing games
• Transitioning smoothly between activities
• Being a good sport

Emotional Regulation

• Listening and following directions
• Keeping calm during play
• Using appropriate volume control
• Respecting personal space and boundaries

Program Structure

• Duration: 16 weeks
• Format: Weekly 90-minute sessions
• Activities: Puppet shows, role-plays, group games, and social practice
• Parent Involvement: Parents attend parallel coaching sessions to learn strategies that support skill practice and reinforcement at home.

Participation Requirements

• Children aged 4–6 years
• Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or other social challenges
• Consistently speaking in phrases or sentences of four+ words
• No significant behavioural concerns (e.g., aggression)
• Funding options: NDIS packages and Medicare rebates may apply

Why It Matters

Early childhood is a crucial time to support social development and emotion regulation. For children with ASD, ADHD, or anxiety, making friends and joining play can be extra challenging. This program gives neurodiverse children the tools to communicate, cooperate, manage big feelings, and build confidence, setting the foundation for long-term success at school and in life. 

Proven Results (The Research)

PEERS® for pre-schoolers has been studied internationally for over a decade, with research consistently showing:

• Improvements in social communication and friendship skills
• Better emotional regulation during peer interactions
• Increased parent confidence in supporting children’s social development.
  

PEERS® for Preschoolers Research

• Examining Feasibility and Outcomes of the PEERS® for Preschoolers Program (Factor et al., 2022).

• An Initial Pilot Study Examining Child Social Skills, Caregiver Styles, and Family Functioning in the PEERS® for Preschoolers Program for Young Autistic Children and their Caregivers (Factor et al., 2021).

• Long‑Term Treatment Outcomes of PEERS® for Preschoolers: A Parent‑Mediated Social Skills Training Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Tripathi et al., 2021).

• PEERS® for Preschoolers preliminary outcomes and predictors of treatment response (Antezana et al., 2022)

• Parent-Assisted Social Skills Training for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: PEERS for Preschoolers (Park et al., 2022)

• Pilot Study Examining Caregiver–Child and Family Functioning in PEERS® for Preschoolers (Factor et al., 2022)

• Parent perspectives on treatment: A mixed methods analysis of PEERS® for Preschoolers (Tripathi et al., 2023)

How to Apply

We’d love to welcome you and your child into the program.

📞 Call us on (02) 8054 4790
📧 Email: admin@thesocialspace.net.au

Start with an initial consultation to see if this program is the right fit for your child and family.