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Point/ARC offering PEERS program, a new social skills group for teens with autism, social challenges


The Point/Arc of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati is the first organization in the region to offer the PEERS Social Skills Group for Young Adults program, helping teens with autism or other social challenges build and maintain lasting relationships. PEERS for Young Adults is a 12-week evidence-based social skills class for motivated young adults between the ages of 18-38 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression or other behavior disorders or social challenges.
 
Throughout the class, young adults are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills, including: 

• Conversational skills 
• Electronic communication 
• Handling direct and indirect bullying 
• Handling arguments and disagreements 
• Organizing get-togethers with friends 
• Dating skills 
• Strategies for handling sexual pressure 

The internationally acclaimed program was originally developed by UCLA by PEERS Clinic Founding Director Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. The 12-week program will begin in the fall, and participants must attend each session with a social coach (parent, family member, adult sibling, job coach, etc.). Social coaches will be taught how to best assist young adults in making and keeping friends by providing feedback during weekly homework assignments.
 
“We have found that people with social learning challenges desire social interaction, even if they aren’t quite sure how to go about it. We also know that many of the young adults we serve have aged out of services upon high school graduation, but still need solid support around social communication,” said Jennifer Wells, director of transition, employment and social communication at The Point/Arc. “The collaborative nature of PEERS offers families a helpful, unique approach to skill building and long-term success. We’re excited to be able to add PEERS to our Social Communication program.”

Start date: Tuesday, September 11, 2018 
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 

Enrollment in the class is limited and individuals must first participate in an intake appointment. The Point/Arc is offering intake appointments for the new program free of charge. The class is being offered at $135/week. For more information or to schedule an intake appointment, contact Jennifer Wells at 859-491-9191 or jwells@thepointarc.org.
  
For more information on The Point/Arc, visit www.thepointarc.org.  


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