Easterseals CREC Launches PEERS Program

Parties, social events, and relationships can be daunting for any young adult, but for those with autism, ADHD, or social anxiety, these situations can be especially challenging. Recognizing these unique difficulties, Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut (Easterseals CREC) has launched an innovative PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) program, which aims to help young adults on the autism spectrum develop crucial social skills and build lifelong friendships. This initiative offers a vital bridge to new relationships, providing participants with the tools they need to navigate social situations successfully.

The PEERS program offers a real solution, equipping young adults with the skills needed to:

• Initiate relationships
• Set up get-togethers
• Find and maintain friendships
• Communicate safely, including both in-person conversations and electronic communications
• Navigate disagreements and direct or indirect bullying
• Date and maintain relationships

Participants in the PEERS program learn social skills through a combination of straightforward, step-by-step instructions, demonstrations, and practice sessions.

Developed at UCLA, PEERS® for Young Adults is an evidence-based social skills intervention tailored for motivated individuals aged 18-35 who are interested in forming and sustaining friendships and romantic relationships. The program is particularly beneficial for those experiencing social difficulties due to autism, ADHD, or social anxiety.

Nicole Stanziale, MA CCC-SLP, a Speech-Language Pathologist with Easterseals, is passionate about helping her students build bonds outside their normal environments. "Initiating and building relationships can be complicated," Stanziale says. "Imagine what these situations are like for those who have autism, ADHD, or social anxiety. Our program offers a structured environment where they can learn and practice essential social skills."

With the popularity of shows like Love on the Spectrum, neurodiverse relationships are being recognized and discussed more widely. The PEERS program at Easterseals CREC harnesses this growing awareness, providing impactful group counseling that helps adolescents and young adults develop and maintain close friendships and relationships.

Easterseals CREC is committed to providing exceptional services that ensure all individuals with disabilities or special needs, and their families, have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. The PEERS program is a testament to this commitment, offering innovative and supportive solutions for young adults facing social challenges.

For those interested in enrolling in the PEERS program, a short questionnaire is available to help determine if the program is a good fit. More information can be found at this link. Nicole Stanziale is also available to answer any questions via email at nstanziale@escrec.org.

The next round of PEERS for Young Adults will take place on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, starting on September 25th and running through November 13th. This eight-week program is a valuable opportunity for young adults to gain the skills they need to build meaningful and lasting relationships.

Easterseals CREC is proud to bring this transformative program to Connecticut, continuing its mission to empower individuals and foster a more inclusive and supportive community.