Young adulthood is often talked about as an exciting time—more independence, new opportunities, and the chance to start building a life of one’s own. But for many young adults and their families, this transition can feel far more complicated than expected. College, work, dating, and independent living all depend heavily on social skills, yet many young people reach adulthood without those skills. Instead of confidence, this stage of life can bring confusion, loneliness, and a quiet sense of not quite fitting in.
This tends to become especially noticeable after high school, when many supports simply fall away. Suddenly, young adults are expected to navigate classrooms, workplaces, friendships, and romantic relationships with far less guidance than they have had before. While this can be challenging for many young people, it is often particularly hard for neurodiverse young adults, including those with autism, ADHD, social anxiety, or other social-communication differences. Many are bright, capable, and motivated, yet still find social situations exhausting, confusing, or discouraging.
These struggles are rarely about effort. Most young adults genuinely want connection. They want friends, relationships, and a sense of belonging. What’s often missing are clear, practical tools. So many social expectations—how to join a conversation, read interest, handle awkward moments, or navigate dating—are assumed to be intuitive. For many people, they simply aren’t. And for neurodiverse young adults especially, being told to “just be yourself” or “put yourself out there” can feel more frustrating than helpful. We also know from research and lived experience that social isolation during young adulthood can take a real toll. Feeling disconnected affects not only emotional well-being, but also confidence, independence, work success, and overall quality of life. When young adults receive meaningful support around social skills, the benefits often ripple outward into many areas of adulthood.
One evidence-based program that addresses this need well is PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills), developed at UCLA’s Semel Institute. PEERS® is designed for young adults from a wide range of backgrounds. While it was originally researched with autistic individuals, it has since been used successfully with many neurodiverse young adults, as well as those who simply find social situations challenging or stressful. At its core, the program is built on a hopeful idea: social skills can be learned when they are taught clearly, respectfully, and in ways that make sense.
PEERS® focuses on real-life situations young adults actually face—making friends, navigating conversations, understanding social cues at work or school, and figuring out dating and romantic relationships. Skills are broken down step by step and practiced in supportive group settings, where participants can learn and try new things out before using them in the real world. Parents or caregivers attend their own group and are thought the same skills and supported in how to most effectively coach their young adult. This unique aspect of PEERS® helps reinforce learning and makes it easier for skills to carry over effectively into everyday life.
Until recently, access to programs like PEERS® has been limited. Families in the Katy and West Houston area have had few evidence-based options once young people leave high school, despite the growing social demands of adulthood. Bringing this well-researched, widely respected program to our local area means that young adults here now have access to the same kind of support that has helped individuals and families across the country and around the world.
Young adulthood does not have to be defined by isolation or uncertainty. With the right kind of support, it can become a time of growth, confidence, and genuine connection. Social skills are not something people “miss the window” to learn—they can be developed at any age. When young adults are given clear guidance, patience, and encouragement, many discover that connection is far more possible than they once believed.
If you’d like to learn more, you’re welcome to reach out in whatever way feels easiest. Families can call 832-754-9802 or email info@thearcofkaty.org to ask questions or explore options.
