Question 1

What is PEERS®?

Accepted Answer

PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an evidence-based social skills training program developed at UCLA. It's one of the most extensively researched social skills programs in the world, with peer-reviewed studies showing real, lasting improvements in participants' social lives. PEERS teaches concrete, practical skills for making and keeping friends, handling conflict, and navigating dating and relationships — and breaks each skill down into specific, teachable steps rather than vague advice like "just be yourself."

Question 2

Who is the program for?

Accepted Answer

Our classes are designed for teens and young adults who want to build stronger social connections. Many of our participants are autistic or on the spectrum, but PEERS was developed for a broad range of people who could benefit from more structured social skills instruction —including those with ADHD, social anxiety, depression, or no diagnosis at all. If your teen or young adult struggles with making friends, reading social cues, or feeling confident in social situations, this program is likely a good fit.

Question 3

Do I need a diagnosis to enroll?

Accepted Answer

No. While many participants come to us with an autism, ADHD, or anxiety diagnosis, a diagnosis is not required. We welcome anyone who wants to strengthen their social skills and would benefit from a structured, supportive group setting.

Question 4

What makes Parliament of Owls different than other social skills/education groups?

Accepted Answer

Two things: our program is backed by real research, and we teach it through a neuro-accepting lens.We use PEERS, one of the most rigorously studied social skills programs available, with a strong track record of published outcomes for teens and young adults (see our Research page for the studies).Just as important is how we teach it. Our goal isn't to change who our clients are or make them act "less autistic" or more "normal." We teach concrete, practical tools — how to start a conversation, join a group, handle a disagreement — and then it's entirely up to each client whether, when, and with whom they use them. We're giving people more choices, not telling them who they already are needs fixing.

Question 5

What age groups do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We offer separate tracks tailored to different developmental stages:Adolescents (roughly 13–18)Young adults (roughly 18–28 or so)Curriculum, examples, and role-play scenarios are adjusted for each age group so the content feels relevant and age-appropriate.

Question 6

What skills does the program actually teach?

Accepted Answer

PEERS covers a wide range of practical social skills, including:Finding sources of friends and starting conversationsTrading information and finding common interestsEntering and exiting conversations with a groupHandling rejection, teasing, and rumorsBeing a good sport and handling disagreementsOrganizing get-togethers with peersFor young adults: dating etiquette and navigating romantic relationshipsEach topic is taught through direct instruction, discussion, andstructured practice (role-play) during the session — not just talked about in the abstract.

Question 7

Is this therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. PEERS is a skills-based educational program, not psychotherapy or clinical treatment. Think of it more like a class or coaching program that focuses specifically on teaching and practicing social skills. That said, many families use PEERS alongside therapy, and the skills learned often complement other supports a person may already have in place.

Question 8

Is this individual coaching or a group class?

Accepted Answer

We offer both options, depending on your needs.

Question 9

Are parents or caregivers involved?

Accepted Answer

A parent or someone acting as a 'social coach' attends a separate session each week, where they learn the same material so they can help reinforce skills and support "homework" assignments (real-world social practice) between sessions. This 'social coach' component is a key part of why PEERS is so effective — skills get practiced at home, not just in the classroom.

Question 10

How long does the program run?

Accepted Answer

The standard PEERS curriculum runs for 16 weekly sessions, typically about 90 minutes each. Consistent attendance matters — because each week builds on skills from the previous one, we ask families to commit to the full program when possible.  For those who prefer to meet individually, we have the flexibility to spend less time on areas of skill, and more time on areas that need additional practice.

Question 11

What does a typical session look like?

Accepted Answer

Each session includes:• Review of the previous week's homework assignment• Direct teaching of a new social skill, with concrete rules and steps• Behavioral rehearsal — practicing the skill through role-play with peers and coaches• A new homework assignment to practice the skill in real life before the next session

Question 12

Do you offer this in person, online, or both?

Accepted Answer

Classes are offered in person and online.

Question 13

How do I know if my teen or young adult is ready for this program?

Accepted Answer

Does your child want more friendships, or better, more fulfilling friendships?  That's the biggest question.  If they do, we will meet with you and them to discuss the program in more detail.

Question 14

Is what we discuss in class confidential?

Accepted Answer

All participants and caregivers agree to keep what's shared in session private — we don't discuss other participants' personal information outside of class, and we ask that group members and parents do the same. That said, because this is a group program, we can't guarantee the same level of confidentiality as individual counseling; other participants will hear what's shared during discussions and role-plays.

Frequently Asked Questions for Families