PEERS Program at the YMCA

YMCA and PEERS® 2027

PEERS® The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills

PEERS®  is a UCLA developed, evidence based social skills program for teens and young adults.  It is a social skills program for individuals with autism and neurodiverse social needs.

Do You Know a Teen or young adult who...

  • Wants friends but struggles to make or keep them?
  • Has difficulty starting and maintaining conversations?
  • Experiences social anxiety or feels isolated from peers?
  • Has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, depression or other social challenges?
  • Could benefit from social instruction and practice in social interactions?

Typical profile of participants or who would benefit from this social skill class

  • Social anxiety/Generalized Anxiety disorder
  • ADHD with social relationship challenges
  • Autism Level 1-social communication and social relationship 
  • Social relationships challenges
  • Depression

RESEARCH SHOWS PEERS® IMPROVES

  • Social skills
  • Social engagement
  • Friendship quality
  • Relationship development
Participants Learn Practical Skills Including:
  • Starting and maintaining conversations
  • Joining group conversations
  • Finding common interests
  • Using appropriate humor
  • Managing disagreements and conflict
  • Handling teasing and bullying
  • Organizing get-togethers
  • Developing and maintaining friendships
  • Workplace social communication skills

TEEN PROGRAM:
Ages 13-18 (grades 6-12)

ADULT PROGRAM
Ages 18+

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • 6-8 participants per session
  • PRIVATE PAY
  • 7 Week/14 Session Program
  • Parent or other social coach required
  • Enrollment interview required

PEERS® for Teens: Tuesday & Thursday      6:00pm-7:30pm

Week #1 Jan 26 and Jan 28, 2027

Week #2 Feb 2 and Feb 4, 2027

Week #3 Feb 9 and Feb 11, 2027

Week #4 Feb 16 and Feb 18, 2027

Week #5 Feb 23 and Feb 25, 2027

Week #6 March 2 and March 4, 2027 

Week #7 March 9 and March 11, 2027 

PEERS® for Young Adults: Tuesday & Thursday      6:00pm-7:30pm

Week #1 March 30 and April 1, 2027

Week #2 April 6 and April 8, 2027

Week #3 April 13 and April 15, 2027

Week #4 April 20 and April 22, 2027

Week #5 April 27 and April 29, 2027

Week #6 May 4 and May 6, 2027

Week #7 May 11 and May 13, 2027

Sessions hosted by:
Monica M. Kurtz, MSW, LMSW, ASDCS
Kurtz Autism Consulting & Social Coaching
[email protected] 

Sessions are hosted at the:
HELEN G. NASSIF YMCA
207 7th Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA  52401

Before signing up for the program, we ask that parent/social coach and participant meet with trained facilitator Monica Kurtz. Please complete the form below and Monica will follow up to ensure the program is a benefit for the participant.