David O Black - Chevy Chase.

We did evenings here over the winter (16 weeks) and there were students/families within our group who came from as far as what I think was the eastern shore. Must have been a full day for them, but I don't recall all the specific details of what they endured travel-wise.

Suck up the drive and do it, if it is in any way possible. It's a temporary arrangement and (ideally) the results are permanent and long-lasting. Also, my understanding is that there are many age groups for different PEERS programs. Elementary through college. It is mostly a matter of finding a reputable provider and what that provider is offering at that specific time. The provider needs a certain amount of students for whatever session they are offering.. be it elementary school, middle school, young adult, etc.

It made a world of difference for my teen. It was a slow crawl, but because of PEERS, my son figured out how to grow his social network and make things happen for himself. (outings, connections, friendships) I'm forever grateful. Our kids will never have the social ease of NTs, but at least now my son has some awareness of what is necessary to connect with others and how to go about it.

The "official" PEERS program starts with children age 4.
-Certified PEERS Provider

Anonymous wrote:

No issue participating, but in case it is relevant, he is a teenager.


As is everyone who does PEERs.

I genuinely appreciate the information, and am not trying to be argumentative for the sake of it, but when we lived in CA, he did a PEERs program when he was much younger. That is why I thought I should clarify. It may well be that all programs in this area are for teens.

The official PEERs curriculum is for teens and young adults.

No issue participating, but in case it is relevant, he is a teenager.


As is everyone who does PEERs.

I genuinely appreciate the information, and am not trying to be argumentative for the sake of it, but when we lived in CA, he did a PEERs program when he was much younger. That is why I thought I should clarify. It may well be that all programs in this area are for teens.

Anonymous wrote:

I don't know about Virginia providers, but wanted to make sure that you knew that there's a parent component too, so you'll be participating, not just transporting.

No issue participating, but in case it is relevant, he is a teenager.

As is everyone who does PEERs. There's even adult participation in the young adult version. Parents aren't in the same room as the teens, but they learn the skills/the language being used with the youth so that they can be effective social coaches. It was a really important part of the program. It's ideal if both parents can attend, although we weren't able to do that. If possible, the same parent should attend each week.

I don't know about Virginia providers, but wanted to make sure that you knew that there's a parent component too, so you'll be participating, not just transporting.

No issue participating, but in case it is relevant, he is a teenager.

I don't know about Virginia providers, but wanted to make sure that you knew that there's a parent component too, so you'll be participating, not just transporting.

We are looking for a PEERS group for my son within a reasonable drive of Del Ray Alexandria. Unfortunately, he would need to attend in the evenings, as we cannot transport him during the work day. Any leads appreciated.