PEERS® Friendship & Communication Bootcamp

The PEERS® Friendship & Communication Bootcamp is an intensive, workshop-style program run by psychologists at our Sydney psychology clinic in Mascot. Designed for teens (13–17 years) and young adults (18–35 years) with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or social communication challenges, this bootcamp condenses UCLA’s world-renowned PEERS® curriculum into an engaging, interactive format. Participants learn evidence-based social skills, gain confidence, and build practical tools for everyday social success.

Benefits

Learn how to start, maintain, and exit conversations naturally
Build confidence in choosing and keeping friendships
Strengthen skills for planning and attending social gatherings
Develop strategies to manage disagreements, teasing, and peer challenges
Improve both online and face-to-face communication
Parents, educators, and carers gain coaching strategies to support skill use at home and school

Structure

Format: Small-group workshops with targeted social skills focus
Delivery: Step-by-step instruction, role-play demonstrations, video examples, and behavioural rehearsals with direct psychologist coaching
Duration: Two full-day sessions (9:30 am – 3:30 pm) during school holidays

Topics Included

Choosing appropriate friends & finding sources of friends
Conversation skills (starting, entering, maintaining, and exiting)
Trading information and appropriate conversation topics
Electronic communication and online etiquette
Planning and organising social gatherings
Responding to and bringing up disagreements

Participation Requirements

Age Range: Adolescents (13–17) and young adults (18–35)
Suitable for: Individuals with Autism Level 1, ADHD, anxiety, or social communication difficulties
Availability: Offered during Term 1 and Term 3 school holidays

Why It Matters

Friendship and communication skills are essential for confidence, wellbeing, and independence. For many teens and young adults, social challenges can lead to anxiety, isolation, or missed opportunities for connection. The PEERS® Bootcamp in Sydney provides a safe, structured, and supportive space to learn, practise, and master these skills—empowering participants to form meaningful relationships and thrive in everyday life.