Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi
There is an evidence based social skills programme called PEERS for people with autism to improve social skills and help to make and keep friends. I guess not many of you heard of it as there seems to be little awareness of this hidden gem. It has been described as world renowned the only evidence-based social skills programme that is available. It is developed by a researcher at UCLA and has been proven by research to significantly improve social cognition and abilities. It can be a great help for those struggling to find friendships and romantic relationships.
www.semel.ucla.edu/peers
It's not widespread unfortunately in this country, they have only have one place running it in the UK I know of, I tried to get a local charity to implement in my town it but the application to the funding was unsuccessful. The place running it is in London someone called Lucy Brown Wright:
www.drlucybrownwright.com/services.html
However, they have an online boot-camp that can be done at home, I have downloaded the course, it costs $500, around £460 I think. It is lifetime access to this course. As I'm still trying to find a social coach who can do the course with me, I've not started it properly yet, so I can't comment on the bootcamp's efficiency but hopefully it will help those struggling. a social coach (parent, sibling, peer mentor) is imperative, ideally watch the videos together and then practice.
https://www.semel.ucla.edu/peers/course/peers%C2%AE-virtual-boot-camps
I really think there should be more awareness regarding this PEERS programme as it seems a really good scheme. Spread the news to those who might need it. Talk to your local charities to see if they can get funding to implement it. This programme is potentially game-changing for many people.
Thank you.
Hi NAS23501,