PEERS® FOR YOUNG ADULTS

The Social Space provides a supportive environment where young adults aged 18–35 can develop the skills needed to navigate friendships and romantic relationships.

Research shows that young adults with social challenges including autism, ADHD, anxiety, or depression are at greater risk of isolation, poor friendship quality, dependence on caregivers, and limited independence. Romantic relationships can also be difficult to navigate, sometimes leaving individuals vulnerable to exploitation.

Despite these challenges, access to evidence-based therapy programs often diminishes after age 21, even though social demands continue to grow across adulthood. This gap in services inspired UCLA to develop PEERS® for Young Adults, extending their internationally acclaimed adolescent program into adulthood.

The program uses a parent/carer-assisted model, where participants attend weekly sessions while a consistent social coach (parent, sibling, mentor, or carer) joins a parallel group. Together, they learn concrete, ecologically valid social skills that reflect real-life demands supported through role-plays, video demonstrations, behavioural rehearsals, and home practice.

By focusing on friendships, communication, conflict management, and dating/romantic relationships, PEERS® empowers young adults to strengthen independence, build meaningful connections, and thrive in the community.

Program Structure

• Duration: 12 weeks
• Format: Weekly 90-minute sessions with separate groups for participants and their social coaches
• Activities: Structured lessons, video demonstrations, role-plays, and behavioural rehearsal
• Home Practice: Weekly assignments and social activities to encourage skill use beyond the clinic
• Social Coaches: Parents, siblings, mentors, or carers attend concurrently, learning how to support ongoing success

Participation Requirements

To take part in PEERS® for Young Adults in Sydney, participants must:

• Be aged 18–35 years
• Have proficient skills in recognising and managing their own emotions
• Experience difficulties socialising with peers
• Be motivated to attend and participate voluntarily
• Commit to attending all program sessions
• Be eager to learn through discussion and activities
• Be willing to practise skills with their social coach between sessions
• Have a consistent social coach available to attend weekly sessions

Why It Matters

Friendships and relationships are central to wellbeing, yet many young adults with social challenges struggle to form and maintain them. Without support, this can lead to isolation, lower confidence, and increased risk of mental health difficulties.

The good news: research shows that even one or two close friendships can make a profound difference—improving self-esteem, resilience, and independence while protecting against victimisation.

PEERS® helps bridge the service gap for young adults by providing practical, evidence-based strategies that support long-term social integration and wellbeing.

Proven Results (The Research)

PEERS® for Young Adults has been validated in multiple randomised controlled trials and international studies. Findings show consistent improvements in:

• Social skills knowledge and real-world application
• Friendship quality and frequency of get-togethers
• Social communication, cooperation, and assertion
• Reduced autistic mannerisms and social anxiety

These gains are both immediate and long-lasting, with follow-up studies showing skills maintained well beyond program completion.