Why Teach Social Skills Explicitly?
It could be because of COVID, technology, or a mix of other reasons, but it seems that more children are struggling to interact with others. Many retreat into their phones in social settings and don’t know how to start or maintain conversations.
For a variety of reasons, kids today aren’t picking up social skills naturally like they used to. This is why explicit social skills instruction can be so valuable.
What Are Social Skills?
Social skills are the abilities we use to interact effectively with others. They include:
Starting a conversation
Handling disagreements
Making friends
Reading social cues
In the past, many children learned these skills naturally, with children on the autism spectrum or with specific challenges needing extra support. Today, though, most kids can benefit from guidance in developing these abilities.
Understanding the PEERS Program
In researching evidence-based programs, I came across the PEERS curriculum, developed at UCLA. PEERS is designed for teens and young adults and has been shown through research to effectively build social skills.
The program takes a structured approach:
It explains helpful and risky social behaviors
Offers plenty of practice opportunities
Encourages individuals to decide when and how to use the skills
What’s notable about PEERS is that it supports autonomy, giving neurodiverse youth guidance without taking away their ability to make choices.
Final Thoughts
Learning social skills doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. With clear guidance, practice, and choice, young people can build confidence and meaningful connections. Programs like PEERS provide a framework for learning these skills in a structured and supportive way while still letting individuals apply them in ways that feel right to them.
As a trained PEERS provider, I work one-on-one with youth and teens to help them practice these skills in real-life situations. If you think your child could benefit from this type of support, feel free to reach out to start a conversation. I’d be happy to answer questions and explore how PEERS could help.