HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Fans of the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum have the opportunity to experience a similar, real-life approach to building relationships this summer through PEERS RVA’s Social Skills Camps across Virginia.

According to a release, the camps, for teens and young adults ages 14-30, are based on the PEERS curriculum, developed by Elizabeth Laugeson, who also appears on the show. The PEERS program focuses on the foundational skills that make those connections possible, like starting conversations, finding common interests, and building lasting friendships.

PEERS is reportedly world-renowned for providing evidence-based social skills to motivated teens and young adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other social challenges. Students learn skills to make and keep friends through engaging lessons and real-world practice.

According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, “social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter.”

Camps will take place in communities across Virginia, including: Roanoke, Manassas, Winchester, Leesburg, Harrisonburg, Buckingham, Richmond, the Eastern Shore, Fluvanna, Fairfax, and Alexandria, with additional locations expected to be announced.

The one-week camps, designed for teens and young adults, included lessons on:

  • Planning get-togethers
  • Handling disagreements and bullying
  • Navigating dating and relationships
  • Using humor appropriately
  • Communicating online and on the phone
  • Finding and keeping friends

Families report meaningful outcomes from the program. One parent shared: “Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate. Though hesitant at first, my son stated that he enjoyed himself every day. He was able to tell me bits and pieces of his experiences and identify classmates by name. He was happy to learn about different students and their cultures and beliefs. He was very vocal, and I think the experience improved his level of confidence.”

For those unable to attend in person, PEERS RVA also offers live, small-group virtual classes, beginning July 6 and September 1. These 16-week programs meet once per week for one hour, with teen classes at 7 p.m. and young adult classes at 8 p.m.

“Students want connection. They just need the tools and practice to feel confident,” said Holly Roper, PEERS RVA co-founder. “Our camps provide a supportive environment where students can learn and try new skills to build real relationships.”

Additional camp locations and updates will be announced on the PEERS RVA website. For more information or to enroll, visit Social Skills Training for Autism – PEERS® RVA.