Social skills are critical for children and teens to build friendships, communicate effectively, and navigate social situations with confidence. Many children, especially those with ADHD, autism, or other developmental differences, may struggle with social interactions, making peer relationships stressful or confusing.
Through Social Skills Training using the PEERS® program, children and teens can learn practical, evidence-based strategies to engage with peers, handle conflict, and develop meaningful connections. The program focuses on real-world social situations, giving participants the tools they need to practice and succeed in everyday interactions.
Evidence-Based Techniques for Real-Life Success
PEERS® is an evidence-based program that teaches social communication skills in a structured, supportive environment. Children and teens learn strategies for making friends, joining group activities, using appropriate conversation skills, handling teasing or bullying, and managing social anxiety.
The program includes parent involvement, so caregivers can support and reinforce skills at home. By practicing these techniques in a safe and guided setting, children gain confidence, independence, and the ability to navigate social situations more successfully—improving relationships, self-esteem, and overall emotional well-being.
Types of Social Skills Groups Offered
- Preschool Social Skills Group – Online (Parent Training Model): This virtual program is designed for caregivers who want evidence-based tools to support their preschooler’s social development. Learn how to become your child’s social coach!
- Ages 4-6
- 16-week program
- Weekly group sessions
- Adolescent PEERS® Social Skills Group: This structured, evidence-based group for teens focuses on real-life, age-appropriate skills such as making and keeping friends, handling peer pressure, navigating group conversations, resolving conflict, and managing social anxiety. Teens practice each skill in a supportive environment, and parents learn how to reinforce these strategies at home. This group helps adolescents build confidence, independence, and healthy peer connections during a critical developmental stage.
- Ages 13-17
- 14-week program
- Weekly group sessions
Dr. Mejia is currently enrolling parents for the PEERS for Preschoolers group to start in September or October. Date and time TBD. Fill out the form below to enroll.
At Beehave Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, social development is treated as an essential part of a child’s overall well-being. Social skills help children and teens make friends, communicate effectively, solve conflicts, understand social cues, and feel more confident in group settings. For many children—especially those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other developmental differences—social situations can feel confusing, stressful, or discouraging. They may want friendships but not know how to start conversations, join activities, or maintain connections.
Led by Dr. Nidsy Mejia Roque, a certified PEERS provider for preschoolers and adolescents, Social Skills Training uses the evidence-based PEERS® program to teach practical strategies for real-life situations. Through structured lessons, role-play, guided practice, and parent involvement, participants learn to build friendships, manage peer challenges, and navigate social situations more successfully. PEERS is designed to turn social learning into clear, teachable skills rather than leaving children to figure it out on their own.
Signs a Child May Benefit from Social Skills Support
Some children are naturally shy, while others need more direct instruction in social communication and relationship-building. When difficulties persist, targeted support can help.
- Trouble making or keeping friends
- Difficulty joining group play or conversations
- Limited eye contact or difficulty reading social cues
- Frequent misunderstandings with peers
- One-sided conversations or talking only about preferred interests
- Anxiety in social situations
- Avoidance of group activities or parties
- Trouble handling teasing, rejection, or conflict
- Difficulty taking turns or sharing
- Challenges with flexibility during play
- Feelings of loneliness or low confidence
- Repeated concerns from teachers about peer interactions
These signs do not mean a child cannot build strong relationships. They often mean the child needs explicit coaching and practice.
Why Social Skills Training Matters
Social success affects far more than friendships. Children who feel connected to peers often show stronger confidence, improved emotional well-being, and better participation in school or community activities. When social challenges go unaddressed, children may experience isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem, or repeated conflict. Some begin to avoid social settings entirely. Social Skills Training helps by breaking down complex interactions into understandable steps and providing repeated opportunities to practice in a supportive environment. This is especially valuable for children with ADHD, autism, or developmental differences who may need direct instruction rather than learning these skills incidentally. Parent involvement also strengthens progress because skills can be reinforced consistently at home. Most importantly, children learn that friendships and communication are skills they can improve with guidance and practice.
What to Expect from the PEERS Program
Social Skills Training at Beehave Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics is structured, practical, and designed for real-world success.
- Initial Consultation and Placement: Families begin with an evaluation of goals, age group, developmental needs, and readiness to determine the best PEERS option.
- PEERS for Preschoolers (Ages 4–6): This evidence-based program teaches young children how to make and keep friends through didactic lessons, puppet shows, role-play demonstrations, and guided socialization activities. Participants attend 16 weekly 90-minute sessions, and parent participation is required.
- PEERS Preschool Educational Groups for Parents: Parents of children ages 4–6 attend virtual Zoom sessions to learn how to coach friendship skills at home. Families receive resources, homework activities, and feedback on their social coaching strategies.
- PEERS for Adolescents (Ages 11–17): Teens learn age-appropriate skills such as making and keeping friends, handling peer pressure, entering conversations, resolving conflict, responding to teasing, and managing rejection. Parents attend separate sessions simultaneously to learn how to reinforce progress at home.
- Structured Teaching Methods: Programs use evidence-based instruction, role-play demonstrations, rehearsal, and real-life practice opportunities to help participants apply skills confidently.
- Parent Coaching and Reinforcement: Caregiver involvement is a key part of success. Parents learn how to support progress between sessions and encourage skill use in everyday settings.
- Ongoing Confidence Building: As participants successfully practice skills, they often gain confidence, independence, and greater emotional resilience.
Encouraging Social Growth at Home
Not all social challenges can be prevented, but families can create opportunities that support healthy development. Regular play opportunities, structured group activities, and family conversations help children practice communication naturally. Parents can model respectful listening, turn-taking, and problem-solving in daily life. Preparing children ahead of time for social events can reduce anxiety and increase confidence. Praising small social successes helps motivate continued effort. Teaching children that friendship skills can be learned reduces shame and builds hope. Early support often prevents temporary struggles from becoming long-term social avoidance.
Children and teens who develop stronger social skills often experience improvements far beyond peer relationships. They may feel more comfortable participating in school, extracurricular activities, and community settings. Confidence grows when they understand how to navigate conversations, conflict, and group dynamics. Emotional well-being often improves as loneliness and frustration decrease. Parents frequently notice greater independence and fewer social misunderstandings. Some children need short-term support, while others benefit from ongoing coaching as they enter new developmental stages. With the right tools, meaningful relationships become more achievable and rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PEERS program?
PEERS is an evidence-based social skills program that teaches practical friendship and communication skills. It uses structured lessons, role-play, and guided practice for real-life situations.
Who can benefit from PEERS?
Children and teens with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other social communication challenges often benefit. It can also help motivated participants who want stronger friendships and confidence.
Why are parents involved?
Parent participation helps reinforce skills between sessions and in everyday life. Consistent support at home often improves outcomes.
Does my child need a diagnosis to join?
Not always. The most important factor is whether the child has social skill goals and is an appropriate fit for the program. An initial consultation can help determine this.
How long is the program?
Program length depends on the group, but many PEERS programs run weekly for 16 sessions. Each session is structured to build skills step by step.
Social Confidence Starts in Coconut Creek, FL for Families in Parkland, Boca Raton & Broward County
If your child or teen is struggling with friendships, communication, or social confidence, support is available. Beehave Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics offers evidence-based Social Skills Training through the PEERS program to help children and families thrive.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Nidsy Mejia Roque to find the right social skills program and help your child build meaningful, lasting connections.
