Table 5.
Examples of revised role plays.
| Topic | Risky Role Play | Role Play Demonstrating PEERS Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing the Conversation |
Leader: “Hey, [Assistant Name], what have you been up to?” Assistant: “Oh, not much, just kind of slammed with work, school, life. You know how it goes.” Leader: “Oh yeah, I do, you wouldn’t believe how busy I’ve been lately!” Assistant: “Wow, what’s been going on-” Leader (interrupts): “Between all my responsibilities at work, all the stuff I’ve been doing at home, and my hobbies, it’s like I’m constantly on the go from one thing to the next!” Assistant: “Dang, that sounds like a lot-” Leader (interrupts again): “Yeah, it really is. Sometimes people wonder how I’m able to keep up with it all. Everyone at work knows things would absolutely fall apart without me, and don’t get me started on everything around the house. I get home, have to put all my stuff away, feed my pets, get started on dinner, then I’ve got to clean up all the dishes after that” Assistant: (looks bored, disinterested) Leader (continues): “and then by the time THAT’S done, it’s like, what next, do I put a load of laundry in, or spend time on my hobbies? It’s good that I’m so skilled at managing my time, because otherwise none of this would get done. It’s just like, when do I get time just for myself, you know?” Assistant: (does not respond, attention has drifted away, looking at their phone) |
Leader: “Hey, [Assistant Name], what have you been up to?” Assistant: “Oh, not much, just kind of slammed with work, school, life. You know how it goes.” Leader: “Yeah, I hear you on that. Have you found the time to do anything fun recently?” Assistant: “Yeah, actually. You won’t believe this, but I just started taking a robotics class. I know, it’s a little silly.” Leader: “Silly? No way, that sounds awesome! I’ve always wanted to do that.” Assistant (brightens): “Oh, really? It’s been really fun so far. I’m definitely learning a lot and getting better at it. We programmed a new robot last week and it was amazing!” Leader: “Oh I bet, I’m so intrigued by coding, but I’ve never really tried coding on my own. It seems like it would be tricky. What do you think you’ll do in class this week?” Assistant: “I’m not sure yet, but it’s always something good. The next time enrollment is open, I’ll shoot you a text, it might be fun for us to do it together.” Leader: “That would be great, maybe we could even carpool, if you want?” Assistant: “Yes, that’s perfect. I’m excited!” |
| Joining Group Conversations |
Assistant 1: “So then I said, ‘No, I think YOU need to take a closer look at my email, Janet.’” Assistant 2 (chuckles): “It’s always something around here, I swear.” Assistant 1 (rolls eyes): “I know, right? I try to be flexible, but sometimes I’m just like…hello? Am I the only one who knows what is going on?” Assistant 2 (nods): “Seriously, you KNOW I can relate to that. Do you remember the time I was on the phone and-“ Leader (interrupts): “How about that comedy show, huh? I can’t believe it hasn’t sold out yet!” Assistants 1 and 2 (collectively turn their heads with confused expressions) Assistant 2: “…what? Anyway [Assistant 1 name], I was on the phone and then Rebecca came over and...” Leader (interrupts again): “It’s at the comedy club downtown and while I don’t want to tell you what to do, I HIGHLY recommend getting tickets ASAP because it WILL be a sell-out show!” Assistant 2 (looking even more exasperated): “…okay?” (rolls eyes, annoyed) “At this point, it’s not even worth telling the story, but…you know what I mean.” Assistant 1 (glances towards Leader and glances back at Assistant 2 meaningfully): “I DO know what you mean. We’ve got to go out sometime and just let loose and forget about all this work stuff.” Leader: “Sounds like this show would be the perfect opportunity for that!” Assistants 1 and 2 (make eye contact, no response) |
Assistant 1: “…So then I said, ‘No, I think YOU need to take a closer look at my email, Janet.’” Assistant 2 (chuckles): “It’s always something around here, I swear.” Assistant 1 (rolls eyes): “I know, right? I try to be flexible, but sometimes I’m just like…hello? Am I the only one who knows what is going on?” Assistant 2 (nods): “Seriously, you KNOW I can relate to that. Do you remember the time I was on the phone and Rebecca came up and totally interrupted me? Right in the middle of the call? I guess it’s just one of those hazards of having coworkers.” Assistant 1: “We’ve got to go out sometime and just let loose and forget about all this work stuff.” Leader: (looks up at Assistants, smiles, and looks away) Assistant 2: “Yeah, I agree. I was actually looking at a local event calendar the other day, but I didn’t see anything amazing.” Leader: “Hey I just overheard you talking about local events. I actually heard about an event this weekend from a friend, it sounds fun, kind of different.” Assistant 2 (neutral): “Oh, really? Leader: “Yeah, apparently there’s a comedy club downtown and they’re doing something like an improv/open mic night.” Assistant 1 (opens the circle): “Comedy? Really? I didn’t know there was a comedy club downtown!” Assistant 2: “I’m not usually into comedy, but it also sounds like it could be pretty funny.” Leader (nods): “That’s what I was thinking. Assistant 2 (looks over at Assistant 1): “What do you think? Up for something a little different?” Assistant 1 (shrugs and smiles): “Sure, I’d be down to try it out. Thanks for the suggestion!” Leader (smiles back casually): “Yeah, no problem. (pauses) I’m [Leader name], by the way.” Assistant 2: “Thanks [Leader Name], I’m [Assistant 2 Name], and this is [Assistant 1 Name].” |