A Foundational Social Skills Course for Neurodivergent Youth Ages 14–21

Empowering teens and young adults to build friendships, communicate clearly, and navigate social and work settings with confidence.

Winter 2026 - Tuesdays
Cost $1395
Duration 9 sessions
Dates January 13 to March 10
Time 4pm to 5pm
Location The Professional Centre
3211 152nd Street, Building C, Suite 402, Surrey, BC
Ages 14 - 21

Fall Sessions will be announced on April 25 - please let us know if you are interested!

Fall sessions will be announced on April 25.

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Foundations in Social Skills is a 9-week, in-person course supports neurodivergent teens and young adults with higher support needs in developing essential social and communication skills. Designed for youth who would benefit from more guided support before progressing to advanced programs like PEERS®, this course emphasizes real-world skill-building through guided lessons, peer interaction, and practical coaching.

Topics Include:

  • How to form and maintain friendships
  • Respectful and effective communication
  • Understanding healthy vs. unhealthy social dynamics
  • Preparing for social and work commitments
  • Navigating conflict and misunderstandings

Who Is This Program For?

Real-Life Support for Youth with Higher Needs

PEERS Social Skills training Program at west coast centre for learning

Foundations in Social Skills is designed for youth aged 14–21 who:

  • Struggle with initiating or maintaining friendships
  • Feel unsure navigating social situations
  • Benefit from repetition, modeling, and extra guidance
  • Are preparing for independence, volunteering, or supported work settings

Whether as a bridge to PEERS® for Teens, PEERS® for Young Adults, or a stand-alone experience, this course creates a safe, structured learning space focused on real-life readiness.

What Participants Will Learn

Foundational Social Skills for Everyday Success

PEERS Social Skills training Program at west coast centre for learning

Through small-group instruction, role-playing, and real-world scenarios, participants will build:

  • Conversation skills
  • Respectful communication and boundary awareness
  • Basic social navigation strategies
  • Reliability and follow-through in commitments
  • Conflict resolution using accessible, real-life tools

Key Topics Covered

Essential Social Skills Covered in This Course

Each session builds on key social learning themes with opportunities for practice and reflection.
  1. Finding Friendship: Exploring where and how to meet new people and begin forming friendships
  2. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships: Identifying the signs of supportive versus harmful relationships
  3. Communication Skills: Learning how to call, text, and make plans, as well as how to express thoughts and feelings clearly
  4. Commitment and Responsibility: Understanding the importance of showing up on time and preparing for work or social commitments
  5. Conflict Resolution: Gently guiding participants through strategies for handling misunderstandings, resolving conflicts, and deciding which tools are appropriate for different situations

Participants will leave with tools to help them navigate relationships more confidently and responsibly.

What to Expect

A Skills-Building Course, not a Behavioural Program

PEERS Social Skills training Program at west coast centre for learning

Foundations is designed for youth who are ready to engage in a structured and supportive learning environment. Participants should be able to attend sessions consistently and also engage in small-group learning with support.

Please note:

  • This program is not intended to address significant behavioural concerns.
  • Youth with emerging workplace or school readiness goals are often a great fit.

Our Intake Process

Ensuring the Right Fit Through Personalized Placement

WCCL uses a three-step intake process to ensure each participant is placed in the program best suited to their needs:

  1. Assessment and Review of Existing Information (reports, diagnoses, assessments)
  2. Caregiver or Participant Consultation (goals, strengths, needs)
  3. Program Recommendation based on developmental stage and readiness

If another program is a better fit, we'll guide families to the most appropriate option.


Program Comparison: PEERS® vs. Foundations in Social Skills

Program PEERS® Foundations in Social Skills
Curriculum Licensed, evidence-based, manualized Custom-developed, clinically informed
Structure Sequential lessons with caregiver involvement Flexible themes, no required caregiver sessions
Target Readiness Mid-to-high social cognition Higher support needs
Social Complexity Teaches advanced social strategies Focuses on foundational social skills
Caregiver Involvement Weekly parent sessions required Optional support available
Goals Social reputation, dating, peer entry Confidence, independence, communication

Your Facilitator

Meet Your Instructor

PEERS Social Skills training Program at west coast centre for learning
Bohdanna Popowycz, M.Ed., BCBA, brings over 30 years of experience supporting neurodivergent youth in developing emotional regulation, independence, and social understanding. She specializes in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and has a passion for learners with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile.

If you’re interested in enrolling your teen, please complete the expression of interest. Once we generate enough participants you will be contacted.

Register Now

Program Fee & Payment Info

Fee: $1695 (Full 10-Week Course)

Invoices will be issued after placement confirmation. Payment is required in full prior to the first session unless a payment plan is arranged.

* This program is eligible for payment through Autism Funding. Please check the Autism Funding Branch for the most up to date procedures on how to access your funding and pay your service provider. Once registered, our administration team can provide you with information and a break down on how to bill for this program.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Your Commitment Matters

Due to the small-group format and planning requirements:

  • Cancellations made 30+ days before the program start are eligible for a full refund.
  • Cancellations within 30 days of the start date are subject to full payment.
  • In some cases, a transfer to a future session may be offered (no refund).
  • Missed sessions are non-refundable unless cancelled by WCCL.

Looking for support but not sure where to start? Let’s talk.

We’ll guide you through our FREE three-step intake process: Assessment, Consultation, and a Personalized Program.