Measuring the plasticity of social approach: a randomized controlled trial of the effects of the PEERS intervention on EEG asymmetry in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.

Van Hecke et al. (2015) tested PEERS with 28 teens who have autism. Half got the 14-week social skills class. Half stayed on the waitlist.

The team used EEG caps to watch brain activity before and after. They looked at left-right balance while teens viewed social pictures.

After PEERS, the trained group showed more left-brain activity. This pattern links to approach and social interest.

The same teens also made more new friends and scored lower on autism symptoms. The waitlist group did not change.

Barry et al. (2024) extends PEERS by teaching autistic teens to sequence social events using RFT drills. Both studies show teens can learn new social skills, but PEERS used group coaching while Deirdre used one-on-one drills.

Stewart et al. (2018) reviewed 48 studies on aided AAC modeling. Like PEERS, these interventions boosted expressive communication. PEERS adds that gains can show up in brain waves, not just behavior.

Honig et al. (1988) found peer models teach language as well as adults. PEERS builds on this by using peer coaches in every session.

Siaperas et al. (2006) used TEACCH with autistic adults years earlier. PEERS updates the idea for teens and adds brain measures.

You can now tell parents that PEERS not only improves friendships but also shifts brain activity toward social approach. If you run PEERS, add a quick EEG or simple mood check to show change. The protocol is ready to use Monday in clinic or school groups.