PEERS® Self-Paced Dating Intensive
This Dating Intensive is open to all 16 years+ who want to understand how to make and sustain adult relationships. Enrolments are always open. You are able to go through the course in your own time and at your own pace.
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
self - paced dating intensive
Our Self-Paced Dating Intensive is based on the highly acclaimed PEERS® social skills program.
Over 20+ lessons 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 able to access all the lessons and resources. Participants may choose to attend each session with a social coach. Social coaches are also provided with two 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. Participants will have the opportunity to practice newly-learned skills in a safe and supportive environment.
look inside
Self-Paced Dating Intensive Overview.
- Open to all 16 years+.
- 20+ self-paced video lessons
- Presenter: Christine O'Leary, Founder of Social Skills Australia and Certified PEERS® Provider
- PDF handouts and a downloadable workbook
- Two 30-minute 1:1 coaching calls along with 4 -month access
- Access to a private support forum
- Webinars for parents/social coaches where they will be taught to coach the participant through practice and constructive feedback
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Conversational Skills
Starting Conversations
Entering Group Conversations
Exiting Conversations
Exchanging Contact Information
Making Phone Calls
Finding People to Date
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
Staying Safe on Dates
Dating Dos and Don’ts
Handling Dating Pressure
Relationship Boundaries
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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
Self-Paced Dating Intensive
Learn the skills to navigate dating with confidence, clarity, and respect – in your own time and at your own pace.
PEERS® Dating Intensive
Our Self-Paced PEERS® Dating Intensive is a step-by-step online course that guides you through the entire dating process, from meeting someone new to planning successful dates and handling rejection kindly and confidently.
This evidence-based course is grounded in the world-renowned PEERS® for Dating curriculum, developed by Dr Elizabeth Laugeson at UCLA, and tailored for neurodivergent individuals (16+) seeking real-world strategies in a supportive, affirming way.
The investment
Self-Paced Dating Intensive Investment
The cost of this Self-Paced Dating Intensive is $495 (incl GST) per enrolee to be paid in advance.
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:
$495
Registration fee for one attendee and two social coaching webinars, including GST.
testimonials
What participants say.
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.
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
- Have a parent/family member/support worker who is willing to participate as your social coach (preferred but not required).
Learn the skills to navigate dating with confidence, clarity, and respect – in your own time and at your own pace.
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.
are you ready
Register now to book your FREE discovery call and find out if the PEERS® Program is right for you.
we got answers
Frequently asked questions.
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14-Week Program for Adolescents and Young Adults
Price: $3,300 incl GST ( interest-free payment plan available). Or $2,800 incl GST with $500 discount when paid in full up front).
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.
Self-Paced Start Anytime PEERS® Course
Price: $695 incl GST (one-time payment)
Overview: A flexible, on-demand course covering the full PEERS® curriculum, including conversation skills, friendship building, bully-proofing, and dating etiquette. Includes lesson videos, workbook, app access, private Facebook forum, and two 1:1 coaching calls.
Self-Paced PEERS® Dating Intensive
Price: $495 incl GST (one-time payment)
Overview: A focused self-paced program designed for individuals aged 16+ who want to strengthen their dating skills. Covers choosing appropriate partners, flirting, asking someone out, handling rejection, and going on successful dates. Includes bonus lessons and personalised coaching.
Self-Paced PEERS® Over 30s Social Skills Workshop
Price: $385 incl GST (one-time payment)
Overview: Tailored for adults aged 30+, this workshop helps participants develop and strengthen social confidence, communication skills, and strategies for building meaningful friendships and connections.
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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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Our main program runs for 14 weeks.
And our Self-Paced courses can start anytime but with a limited access of 4 months.
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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 Self-Paced courses, parents receive pre recorded coaching webinars to support their child’s progress.
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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 members portal 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 for the next round we do 3 intakes a year or enrol in our Self-Paced Start Anytime PEERS® course, which will is available all year. This allows you to start the program at your convenience.
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We are not NDIS registered and we require payment upfront. However if you are Self Managed you may be able to claim a reimbursement from the NDIS.
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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 the calendar link inside the members portal within 4 months of purchasing the course. These sessions are conducted via Zoom/Phone Call.
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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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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