Where exceptional children play and blossom
A magical place for creativity, community, and belonging.
Children in this photograph were added digitally, to protect our families' privacy.
Peer Play Mission offers exciting, engaging social skills playgroups for children who could use a little extra help making friends, including autistic and neurodivergent children.
Play is how children learn
Our playgroups meet in a specially designed sensory gym that feels more like a kids' gym crossed with a toy store than a clinic. Inside, children climb, swing, pretend, build, perform, and, most importantly, connect.
Our clinicians and staff guide the play just enough to help every child find their way into the group.
What makes Peer Play different
Play first
Joy isn't a reward for doing the work. Joy is the work. When play is genuinely fun, motivation and learning follow on their own.
Powered by peers
Children learn best from other children. Our groups bring together kids with different strengths, including neurotypical siblings and friends, so social learning happens the natural way: between peers.
A community for parents
Parents deserve a supportive community that understands their experience. Families who meet at Peer Play often build friendships that extend well beyond our door.
We believe
We celebrate: love, friendship, community, creativity, curiosity, resiliency, integrity, and diversity (including neurodiversity).
- Meaningful relationships heal.
- Children learn best from other children.
- Dopamine (happy neurotransmitter) stimulates motivation and learning.
- Acceptance from your peer group is a powerful motivator for developmental growth.
- Children can be our wisest teachers and most honest critics, if we pay attention. They also make great therapists.
- Children deserve a fun childhood with happy memories, not just a busy stream of adult-led interventions.
- Parents deserve a mutually supportive community that understands their experience.
- Typically developing children who regularly play with neurodiverse peers expand their minds and hearts to build empathy and compassion.
- All children can and should play and make friends. These behaviors are so fundamental that they are observed across most mammalian species.
How to get started
Say hello
Use the short contact form below or call (510) 394-5630. Tell us a little about your child.
Let's talk
We'll set up an intake conversation to get to know your child and see if the program is a good fit. Referrals through Golden Gate Regional Center welcome.
Come play
Your child joins a small group matched to their age and needs, and the fun begins.
Hands-down the most important element of my son's developmental journey. By fostering a sense of joy in spontaneous, imaginative play with others, Dr. Rocco was able to help develop better flexibility, vocabulary, and social connection in my son. Put aside 'social skills groups' as you've traditionally thought of them, and experience something more inspiring.
Have questions? Let's talk.
Book a low-pressure intake conversation. We'll get to know your child, answer your questions, and see if the program is a good fit.
2285 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(510) 394-5630 · info@peerplaymission.com
Get in touch
Drop us a note. We'd love to hear about your child and answer any questions.