Particpant to coach: how one teenager used his opportunity as a PEERs research particpant to give back
The University of Queensland’s Child Health Research Centre’s paediatric research participant, Nick Atkinson, said he wouldn’t be where he is, if it wasn’t for his participation in PEERs.
Mr Atkinson has a mild form of cerebral palsy and when he was 12 years old and about to embark high school, he was understandably anxious about making friends.
“I was asking my parents questions about making friends, there weren’t many catch-ups in primary school, and my parents were concerned I was having social struggles,” Mr Atkinson said.
“At one of my 6-month check ups at the Children’s Queensland Hospital, my parents were informed of the PEERS program – and I pretty much jumped right in,” he said.
The PEERS program (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an evidence-based social skills intervention designed for adolescents and young adults facing social challenges, like acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy.
Nick is now 19 years of age and coaches on the PEERS program because he found it so beneficial and wanted to give back to his community.
“As I’ve gotten older, I have been thinking about wanting to give back to the community, for everything it’s given me. I am a sporty kid, I have had so many coaches along the way, and they have all shown me and taught me many different life lessons, and I thought this was a great opportunity to give back,” Mr Atkinson said.
“The program was awesome, it has taught me many life skills that I still use to this day.
“It’s helped me get things like jobs, succeed in job interviews, even just day to day skills in my work that gives me the confidence to make and receive calls.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today, if it wasn’t for the PEERs program,” said Nick.
The PEERS program equips adolescents with the tools to empower them to confidently interact and develop relationships with other people.
This research would not be possible without the generous donations from community, philanthropists and government funding bodies. Donate today.