PEERS® 4-Week Dating Intensive
This Dating Intensive is open to all 16 years+ who want to understand how to make and sustain adult relationships. Enrolments are now open for May 2025, so enrol now and we’ll be in touch!
Stands for Program for the Enrichment and Education of Relational Skills
An evidence-based social skills training program that may be appropriate for young adults and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression or other social challenges. It was developed by Dr Elizabeth Laugeson at the University of California in 2004.
PEERS® was featured on the Netflix show, Love on the Spectrum.
The PEERS® Program
the program
dating intensive
Our Dating Intensive is based on the highly acclaimed PEERS® social skills program.
Over four weekly sessions we will provide you with the tools needed for successful dating.
Topics covered:
- Conversational skills
- Letting someone know you like them
- Flirting
- Choosing appropriate people to date
- Online dating
- Asking someone on a date
- Accepting rejection
- Turning someone down
- Planning and going on dates
- Relationship boundaries
- Handling pressure from partners
- Following up after a date
Participants must be independently motivated to participate in this course and will meet online for each 2-hour session. Participants may choose to attend each session with a social coach. Social coaches are also provided with two online social coaching webinars. Having a social coach is preferred but not required.
Our lessons are rules-based and easy to follow, teaching targeted social skills through didactic instruction and role-play demonstrations. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice newly-learned skills in a safe and supportive environment.
look inside
Dating Intensive Overview.
- Open to all 16 years+.
- Delivered over four weekly 2-hour sessions
- Presenter: Christine O'Leary, Founder of Social Skills Australia and Certified PEERS® Provider
- Location: Delivered online via Zoom
- One accompanying parent/social coach attends for FREE! (optional)
- Two separate online webinars for parents/social coaches where they will be taught to coach the participant through practice and constructive feedback
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Flirting with Potential Partners
Letting Someone Know You Like Them
Choosing Appropriate People to Date
Asking Someone on a Date
Handling Rejection
Turning Someone Down
Planning and Going On Dates
Relationship Boundaries
Handling Pressure from Partners
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Weekday Evening
6pm - 8m
Online via Zoom
Course notes provided.
Structured lesson on each topic
Role-play of dos and don’ts
Practice new skills learnt
Social coaching and feedback
Practical exercises to complete at home
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There have been many studies conducted on the PEERS® Program. Below are links to some of the research:
A Randomised Controlled Trial to Examine the Effectiveness of the Dutch Version of PEERS®
Improving Social Anxiety and Social Responsiveness in Autism Spectrum Disorder through PEERS®
Research Progress on the Effect of PEERS® on Social Skill Improvement among Adolescents with ADHD
Development and Preliminary Testing of the Dutch Version of PEERS®
The full list of research publications on PEERS® is available on the UCLA website HERE.
the Program
Our next Dating Intensive starts in May 2025.
Join us from anywhere around Australia via Zoom.
PEERS® Dating Intensive
Held over four Wednesday evenings:
May Program:
7, 14, 21 and 28 May 2025
November Program:
5, 12, 19, and 26 November 2025
6pm - 8pm AEST
Spaces are strictly limited and filling fast.
Our Dating Intensive is held on Zoom and recreates the interpersonal interactions we achieve offline - and PEERS® research shows online sessions are just as effective as in-person.
The investment
Dating Intensive Cost
The cost to attend this 4-week Dating Intensive is $869 per attendee to be paid in advance.
The registration fee is waived for ONE accompanying parent/support worker only, additional attendees are required to register and pay the registration fee.
The registration fee also includes two social coaching webinars to assist parents/caregivers to support the participant throughout the program and beyond.
We do not process refunds for our Dating Intensives, all transactions are final.
Total Investment:
$869
Includes full 4-week registration fee for one attendee and two social coaching webinars, including GST.
testimonials
What participants say.
Google
Trustmary
Social challenges can make life hard for adolescents and young adults, and families often need extra support.
Social Skills
about The Coach
Hi, I'm
Christine O'Leary,
and I'm a Social Coach
I’m a fellow parent of adolescents with social challenges myself - and I’m here to help!
I help adolescents, young adults and adults with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges to make and keep friends and learn important social skills through relaxed and fun small group sessions, both online and in person.
Certified
PEERS® Provider
- Completed the UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills in the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour at UCLA.
- Certified PEERS® Provider.
Communication & Public Relations Specialist
- Specialised skills and advanced knowledge in the communications, media and creative industries.
- Bachelor of Business Administration, GradDip Communication, PR, Advertising, & Applied Communication.
Parenting Support & Consulting
- Specialising in supporting both individuals and organisations to communicate effectively with others.
- University-trained and post-graduate qualified communications professional passionate about helping people to communicate well.
three-step process
Enrolment in the PEERS® Dating Intensive
is a simple three-step process.
Step 01
Registration and intake interviews
- Complete the Dating Intensive registration form by clicking on the Register Now button below.
- We will be in touch to arrange to meet with you (usually on Zoom) to make sure PEERS® is a good fit.
- We will then approve your registration for enrolment.
Step 02
Approval and Payment
- Approved attendees will be sent a confirmation via e-mail that will include a link to pay securely online.
- Upon receipt of your payment, your place in the program is confirmed.
- We will send you a Welcome Letter providing more details of the program.
Step 03
Welcome and Commencement
- One week prior to the first session, you will receive an email with all the Zoom links and materials.
- The registration fee is wavied for ONE accompanying parent only, additional parents and family members must register and pay the registration fee.
- We expect the same accompanying parent/social coach to attend both social coaching webinars to ensure the best outcome for the participant.
is this for you
Is the PEERS® Dating Intensive right for you?
PEERS® is right if you:
- Are aged 16 years or older
- Have social challenges
- Want to participate in the program and learn new skills
- Can commit to attending all four weeks of the program
- Have a parent/family member/support worker who is willing to participate as your social coach (preferred but not required).
Places are limited.
Reach out NOW to secure your spot.
Peers
Where does PEERS come from?
Dr Elizabeth Laugeson, developed PEERS®
An Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences at UCLA (University of California) Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour.
More than x30 peer-reviewed studies demonstrate the efficacy of this course - with teens consistently showing improvement on every measure of social skills and social engagement - as well as reduced problem behaviours, related social difficulties and social anxiety.
The gains are maintained well after the course has ended - a finding attributed to the involvement of a social coach, which can be a parent, another family member, a teacher or a support worker.
For more information on PEERS®, check out this video by the Founder and Director of the UCLA PEERS® Clinic and the developer of PEERS®, Dr Elizabeth Laugeson.
Watch Video
PEERS® & NDIS Participants.
The PEERS® Program suits most NDIS Plans. NDIS funding can be used if your family is self-managed or plan-managed.
NDIS Information:
*NOTE: It is important to check your own individual funding options.
we got answers
Frequently asked questions.
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We offer a range of programs tailored to different age groups and needs. Below is a list of our key programs and their associated costs:
14-Week Program for Adolescents and Young Adults:
Price: $2,640incl GST (or $188.57 per week x 14 weeks)
Overview: This comprehensive program spans 14 weeks and is designed to help adolescents and young adults develop crucial social skills, including conversation techniques, managing social interactions, and building friendships.
Over 30s Workshop:
Price: $550 (Full one-day registration fee for one attendee, including GST)
Overview: A one-day intensive workshop for individuals over 30, focusing on refining social skills, improving communication, and navigating social relationships in adulthood.
Boot Camps:
Price: $869 (Includes full 2-day registration fee for one attendee - one accompanying parent attends for FREE)
Overview: These bootcamps are designed to provide concentrated social skills training over two days. They include hands-on activities, role-playing, and real-world practice to reinforce the skills taught.
PEERS® 4-Week Dating Intensive:
Price: $869 (Includes full 4-week registration fee for one attendee and two social coaching webinars, including GST)
Overview: This intensive course runs for four weekly 2-hour sessions, focusing on dating skills such as initiating conversations, asking someone on a date, and handling rejection. It also includes two parent coaching webinars to support participants.
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PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an evidence-based social skills training program designed to improve social interactions for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges. It focuses on teaching practical skills for building and maintaining friendships and relationships.
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Our programs are open to adolescents, adults, and parents. We tailor our courses to meet the needs of individuals with social challenges, including those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or experiencing other social difficulties.
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Program durations vary depending on the specific course.
Our Dating Intensive is a 4-week program, while our PEERS® courses typically run for 14 weeks. We also offer a Self-Paced Start Anytime PEERS course that allows you to progress at your own pace. Bootcamps are 2-day full days on a weekend and our Over 30’s Workshop is a one day program
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Yes, parental involvement is highly encouraged, especially in our PEERS® programs. Parents often serve as social coaches, reinforcing the skills taught during the sessions. For the 14-week programs parents have their own coaching sessions each week. For the Dating Intensive, parents receive coaching webinars to support their child’s progress.For Bootcamps parents are FREE to join.
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Once you enroll in a course, you’ll receive login details to access the materials online or via email. For the Self-Paced PEERS® course, you’ll have access to the videos, PDFs, and other resources.
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Participants are encouraged to ask questions during weekly sessions. You’ll also have access to our private Facebook forum where you can ask questions and share experiences with other participants. Additionally, for certain courses like the Self-Paced PEERS® program, you receive two 30-minute 1:1 coaching calls with the instructor to address any specific concerns or questions.
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Yes! If you missed the current round of PEERS®, you can enrol in our Self-Paced Start Anytime PEERS® course, which will be available starting October 1, 2024. This allows you to start the program at your convenience.
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Yes, our programs are suitable for NDIS participants, depending on their plan. Please check with your NDIS provider to ensure coverage.
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We do not offer refunds for any of our courses. Please ensure you’re committed to the program before enrolling.
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You can schedule your two 30-minute coaching calls through our Calendly link at any time within 4 months of purchasing the course. These sessions are conducted via Zoom.
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The online format of our courses, combined with the flexibility of accessing materials at your convenience, helps promote consistent attendance. Participants attend one 90-minute session each week for the 14-week program. We also provide tools and reminders to help you stay on track.
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The online PEERS® course offers the same evidence-based curriculum as our in-person sessions, with the added benefits of reduced anxiety for participants, greater convenience, and more focused learning. The virtual format allows participants to engage deeply with the material in a comfortable setting. If you want more practical and proven benefits of PEERS® online please click here. https://www.socialskillsaustralia.com.au/blog
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After enrolling in one of our courses, you will receive an invitation to join our private Facebook forum, where you can connect with other participants, ask questions, and share your experiences.
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We offer introductory videos and sample lessons on our website, so you can get a feel for the course content and structure before making a commitment. We also share with you the breakdown of topics per week. https://www.socialskillsaustralia.com.au/sample-content