PEERS® Friendship Skills Boot Camp Launches April 23rd!

3 young adults chattingWe are excited to announce the launching of the PEERS® Friendship Skills Boot Camp, MAIER’s newest training opportunity for families and professionals. This self-paced training module, presented by UM Faculty Dr. Sarah Howorth, is a free online training module that is recommended for families, educators, and professionals who support teens and young adults with autism.

Participants will be presented with targeted social skills through didactic instruction and role-play demonstrations. Opportunities are provided to practice the social skills independently and with behavioral rehearsal exercises. Dr. Howorth discusses several social skills topics including how to find a source of friends, the skills needed to have a conversation, how to start a conversation, and how to enter a group conversation.

This module is offered free, but registration is required. You will receive your login information within 1-2 business days after registering.  Register for this training module using our easy online registration for Virtual Friendship Skills Boot Camp.  Note: If you register for this training before April 23rd 2021, you will receive your login information when the Boot Camp launches on April 23rd.

Headshot of Sarah HoworthSarah Howorth, Ph.D.  is an assistant professor of special education and program coordinator for the special education graduate programs in the School of Learning and Teaching, within the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Her research interests include social skills and social coaching of individuals with autism and use of emerging technology such as virtual reality and augmented reality to support behavioral, academic and skills instruction for individuals with disabilities. She also has expertise in the following areas: assistive technology, reading comprehension, positive behavior interventions and supports, and improving employment and transition outcomes for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Download and share the PEERS® Friendship Skills Boot Camp flyer with other families and professionals who may be interested in this new offering!

Click here to learn more about the PEERS® Lab at UMaine.