PEERS Training Focuses on Skills Needed to Make and Keep Friends

PORTLAND, OR / ACCESSWIRE / May 14, 2019 / Footprints Behavioral Interventions (www.autismfootprints.com), a leading provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, is now offering Oregon families the leading research-based social skills training program for youth with social challenges. Footprints has added the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for high functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Footprints' PEERS is a 14-week social skills intervention for adolescents in middle school or high school who are interested in learning how to form real friendships. During each weekly group session adolescents are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice in socialization activities that mimic real life situations. At the same time, parents are taught how to assist by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments.

The highly regarded program was developed at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. Footprints has PEERS certified trainers in Portland and in Orange County, Ca., including Corey Stump, M.A. and Thang Do, M.A.

'The social skills we focus on with PEERS are absolutely essential as these kids prepare for their next step - whether it's college or getting a job,' said Stump. 'Our initial PEERS group has been meeting for a little over two months and just in that short time we've seen a really big change for a lot of the kids in their ability to be social. They are having real conversations, finding common interests with their peers and engaging in appropriate attention-seeking behaviors.'

According to Autism Speaks, approximately 50,000 Americans with ASD enter adulthood each year and about one-third of these young adults attend college after high school.

Lessons during Footprints' 14-week PEERS program include:

• How to use appropriate conversational skills
• How to choose appropriate friends
• How to appropriately use electronic forms of communication
• How to appropriately use humor and assess humor feedback
• How to appropriately use humor and assess humor feedback
• How to start, enter and exit conversations between peers
• How to organize successful get-togethers with friends
• How to be a good sport when playing games/sports with friends
• How to handle arguments and disagreements with friends and in relationships
• How to handle rejection, teasing, bullying, rumors/gossip, and cyber bullying
• How to change a bad reputation

Footprints is currently accepting applications for the next PEERS group, which will get underway in September. Contact Corey Stump to apply by emailing [email protected]. Please note that enrollment is limited. Regular attendance is imperative. Classes are on Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at Footprints Behavioral Interventions, 3535 N Lombard St, Portland. Group instruction is provided in English. Parent participation is required.

About Footprints Behavioral Interventions

Established in 2004, Footprints Behavioral Interventions is an ABA service provider in for children with ASD in California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Michigan. Our positive behavior support services are provided in the home, school, community and vocational settings. At Footprints Behavioral Interventions, we are committed to your child's growth and development every step of the way. To learn more, visit www.autismfootprints.com.

Contact:

Ms. Corey Stump
503.479.5711
[email protected]

SOURCE: Footprints Behavioral Interventions