The Science of Friendship | Social Skills, Bullying, and the PEERS Program

Kristine and Sarah discuss social skills, friendship development, bullying, cyberbullying, and the UCLA PEERS® program for autistic teens and young adults.This episode explores: how friendships actually form  socially rejected vs socially neglected profiles  common interests and connection  meaningful friendship  social isolation  parent support  direct social skills instruction  online safety and cyberbullying An insightful conversation about why social connection matters deeply for long-term happiness and emotional well-being.Many people assume social skills are something children naturally “pick up,” but research and clinical experience show that social interaction is often a teachable skill set.This episode discusses the UCLA PEERS® program, which approaches friendship scientifically through direct instruction, rehearsal, modeling, and real-world practice.The conversation also challenges some traditional advice often given to children, such as: forcing introductions  “just go tell a teacher”  assuming shared diagnoses automatically create friendships  believing social success should happen naturally Kristine and Sarah discuss how meaningful friendship is built through common interests, psychological safety, shared experiences, and gradual connection over time.Acorns to Oaks is presented by Nurture & Nature ABA, providing compassionate ABA therapy and parent support in Valley Village and the San Fernando Valley.Learn more or schedule a consultation: nurtureandnatureaba.comFollow Nurture & Nature on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized clinical care.