Social Stories

Social Stories are a social learning tool designed to explain specific situations, concepts, or social skills to individuals with autism, developmental delays, social issues, or other difficulties with comprehension. They are individualized for each child and feature the child as the main character, helping to explain situations that the child may find challenging

Developed by Carol Gray in the early 1990s, Social Stories are tailored narratives that provide clear, concise, and reassuring information about specific situations, concepts, or behaviors. By presenting information in a structured and predictable format, Social Stories help individuals with autism better understand social expectations, reduce anxiety, and develop appropriate responses to various scenarios.

While the foundational principles of Social Stories are well-established, there are many unique and creative ways to expand their use to address a broader range of challenges and opportunities. Below, we’ll explore additional insights, examples, and strategies for creating and using Social Stories effectively.

To use a social story, it is important to keep the child’s mood in mind when presenting the story. The child should be in an anxiety-free mood, fresh, relaxed, and reasonably energetic.[4] Social stories can be used to help young learners adjust to new routines, participate in conversations, develop certain life skills, or learn how to interact with peers. Whatever the situation might be, social stories can help tell kids what to expect and what might be expected of them.

According to the founder of social stories, Carol Gray, a social story must accurately describe a context, skill, achievement, or concept according to 10 defining criteria.

Describes a situation, skill, or concept in terms of relevant social cues, perspectives, and common responses.

Provides accurate information that is tailored to the developmental and social age of the individual with autism.
Affirms the individual’s feelings and encourages their positive self-image.
Ensures the individual with autism understands the relevant social context and why certain behaviors are expected.

Uses clear, concise language that is easy for the individual with autism to understand.
Includes a two-step process of describing what to do and what not to do in a given situation.
Provides positive, constructive ideas for how the individual with autism can respond and act appropriately.

Incorporates visual aids and other sensory cues to enhance understanding and engagement.
Is written from the perspective of the individual with autism.
Incorporates the perspectives of others involved in the situation, such as parents, teachers, or peers, to provide a more complete understanding of the social context

Social stories are a tool commonly used to help individuals with autism better understand social situations and behaviors. They provide a structured and predictable format for presenting information in a way that is easier for people with autism to understand. Here are some examples of social stories and how they can help:

Personal space social story – This type of social story can be used to help individuals with autism understand the concept of personal space, and why it is important to respect others’ personal space.
Social story for hitting – This type of social story can be used to teach individuals with autism appropriate ways to express frustration or anger without resorting to hitting or other aggressive behaviors.

Turn-taking social story – This type of social story can be used to help individuals with autism understand the concept of taking turns, and how to wait patiently for their turn.
Making friends social story – This type of social story can be used to help individuals with autism learn social skills and strategies for making friends.
Social Stories for stealing – This type of social story can be used to help individuals with autism understand why stealing is wrong, and to teach them alternative ways of getting what they want or need.

Potty training social story – This type of social story can be used to help individuals with autism learn how to use the toilet independently.
Anxiety social story – This type of social story can be used to help individuals with autism understand and cope with feelings of anxiety or stress.
Transition social story – This type of social story can be used to help individuals with autism prepare for and cope with transitions, such as moving to a new school or starting a new job.

While Social Stories are commonly used for teaching social skills and managing behaviors, their applications can be extended to address a wide range of challenges and opportunities. Here are some unique ways to use Social Stories:

1. Supporting Emotional Regulation:

Social Stories can help individuals with autism identify and manage their emotions. For example:

A story about feeling angry might describe physical signs of anger (e.g., clenched fists, fast heartbeat) and offer strategies for calming down, such as deep breathing or taking a break.

A story about feeling sad might explain that it’s okay to cry and suggest ways to seek comfort, like talking to a trusted adult or hugging a favorite stuffed animal.

2. Navigating Sensory Sensitivities:

Many individuals with autism experience sensory sensitivities that can be overwhelming. Social Stories can help prepare them for sensory-rich environments:

A story about going to the grocery store might describe the sounds, smells, and crowds they might encounter and suggest coping strategies, such as wearing noise-canceling headphones or holding a comfort object.

A story about haircuts might explain the sensations of scissors and clippers and include steps like counting to ten or focusing on a favorite toy during the process.

3. Building Independence:

Social Stories can be used to teach life skills and promote independence:

A story about brushing teeth might break down the steps into simple, clear instructions and include pictures of each step.

A story about making a sandwich might guide the individual through gathering ingredients, spreading condiments, and assembling the sandwich.

4. Preparing for New Experiences:

Transitions and new experiences can be challenging for individuals with autism. Social Stories can help ease the process:

A story about starting a new school might include pictures of the school, the teacher, and the classroom, as well as a schedule of what to expect during the day.

A story about flying on an airplane might explain the steps of checking in, going through security, and boarding the plane, as well as what to expect during the flight.

Social Stories can help individuals with autism practice social skills in a safe and structured way:

A story about joining a group activity might explain how to ask, “Can I play too?” and what to do if the answer is yes or no.

A story about having a conversation might teach the importance of taking turns talking and listening.

6. Addressing Special Interests:

Many individuals with autism have special interests that can be incorporated into Social Stories to make them more engaging:

If a child loves dinosaurs, a story about sharing toys might feature dinosaurs playing together and taking turns with their favorite rocks.

If a child is fascinated by space, a story about waiting in line might compare it to waiting for a rocket launch.

To create a Social Story that is both meaningful and effective, consider the following tips:

Use Simple, Clear Language:
Avoid complex sentences or abstract concepts. Use short, direct sentences and concrete examples.

Incorporate Visuals:
Pair text with pictures, symbols, or photographs to enhance understanding. For example, a story about washing hands might include pictures of each step, such as turning on the faucet, applying soap, and drying hands.
Focus on the Positive:
Emphasize what the individual should do rather than what they should not do. For example, instead of saying, “Don’t hit,” say, “When I feel angry, I can take deep breaths or ask for help.”
Include the Individual’s Perspective:
Write the story from the individual’s point of view to make it more relatable. For example, “Sometimes I feel scared when I hear loud noises. That’s okay. I can cover my ears or ask for a break.”

Practice and Review:
Read the Social Story with the individual regularly, especially before the situation it addresses. Repetition helps reinforce learning and builds confidence.
Involve the Individual in the Process:
Whenever possible, involve the individual in creating the story. Ask for their input on what they find challenging or what strategies they think might help.

Creating a Social Story is a thoughtful and structured process that involves understanding the individual’s needs, identifying the specific situation or skill to address, and crafting a narrative that is clear, engaging, and supportive. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective Social Story tailored to the individual’s unique needs.

Before creating a Social Story, it’s important to determine its purpose. Ask yourself:

What specific situation, skill, or behavior are you addressing?
What does the individual need to understand or learn?

What challenges are they facing in this area?

For example, the purpose might be to help a child understand how to take turns during a game, prepare for a doctor’s visit, or cope with feelings of frustration.

Step 2: Gather Information About the Situation

To create an accurate and meaningful Social Story, gather details about the situation or skill you’re addressing:

Observe the individual in the situation to identify specific challenges or triggers.
Talk to caregivers, teachers, or therapists who know the individual well.
Consider the individual’s perspective: What might they be thinking or feeling in this situation?

For example, if the story is about going to the dentist, gather information about what happens during a dental visit, including sensory experiences like the sound of the drill or the feeling of the chair.

Using the information you’ve gathered, write the Social Story. Follow these guidelines to ensure it is effective:

1. Use Simple, Clear Language:

Write in short, straightforward sentences.

Avoid abstract concepts or complex language.
Use first-person language (e.g., “I will try to take turns” or “Sometimes I feel scared at the dentist”).

Carol Gray, the creator of Social Stories, recommends a specific formula for writing them:

Descriptive Sentences: Explain the situation, who is involved, and what typically happens (e.g., “When I go to the dentist, I sit in a big chair”).
Perspective Sentences: Describe the thoughts, feelings, or reactions of others (e.g., “The dentist wants to help keep my teeth healthy”).
Directive Sentences: Provide guidance on what the individual can do (e.g., “I can take deep breaths if I feel nervous”).

Affirmative Sentences: Offer reassurance and positive reinforcement (e.g., “It’s okay to feel scared. I am brave and can handle this”).

3. Include Visuals:

Add pictures, photographs, or symbols to accompany the text. Visuals help reinforce understanding and make the story more engaging.
Use images that are relevant to the individual’s experience (e.g., pictures of the actual dentist’s office or the child’s favorite toy).

4. Keep It Positive:

Focus on what the individual should do rather than what they should not do.
Emphasize positive outcomes and coping strategies.

5. Make It Personal:

Include the individual’s name and interests to make the story more relatable.

Use examples that are meaningful to them (e.g., “When I play with my friend Alex, we take turns with the blocks”).

Step 4: Review and Revise the Story

Once the story is written, review it to ensure it meets the individual’s needs:

Check that the language is clear and appropriate for their developmental level.

Ensure the story is accurate and provides enough detail about the situation.
Ask for feedback from caregivers, teachers, or therapists.

Make revisions as needed to improve clarity and relevance.

When introducing the Social Story to the individual:

Choose a calm, relaxed time to read the story together.
Read the story slowly and point to the pictures as you go.

Encourage the individual to ask questions or share their thoughts.

Step 6: Practice and Reinforce

To help the individual internalize the story:

Read the story regularly, especially before the situation it addresses.

Role-play the scenario to practice the skills or behaviors described in the story.
Provide positive reinforcement when the individual uses the strategies from the story.

Title: Going to the Dentist

Descriptive Sentence: “Sometimes I go to the dentist to make sure my teeth are healthy.”
Descriptive Sentence: “When I get to the dentist, I sit in a big chair that moves up and down.”
Perspective Sentence: “The dentist is a friendly person who wants to help me.”

Descriptive Sentence: “The dentist will look at my teeth with a small mirror and a bright light.”
Directive Sentence: “If I feel nervous, I can take deep breaths or hold my favorite toy.”
Affirmative Sentence: “It’s okay to feel scared. I am brave, and the dentist will be gentle.”

Descriptive Sentence: “After the dentist checks my teeth, I might get a sticker or a prize.”
Affirmative Sentence: “I did a great job at the dentist!”

Social Stories are more than just simple narratives; they are carefully crafted tools that adhere to specific guidelines to ensure they are meaningful and effective for the individual. Here’s a deeper look at what makes them unique:

Personalization:
Social Stories are tailored to the individual’s needs, interests, and developmental level. They often feature the individual as the main character, making the story more relatable and engaging. For example, if a child loves trains, a Social Story about taking turns might involve a train station scenario.
Positive Reinforcement:
Social Stories focus on affirming the individual’s feelings and abilities while gently guiding them toward appropriate behaviors. They emphasize what the individual can do rather than what they cannot do, fostering a positive self-image.
Visual and Sensory Support:
Many individuals with autism are visual learners, so Social Stories often incorporate pictures, symbols, or other visual aids to enhance understanding. For some, sensory elements like textured pages or sound effects can also be included to make the story more engaging.

Perspective-Taking:
Social Stories often include the perspectives of others involved in the situation, helping the individual understand how their actions might affect those around them. This promotes empathy and social awareness.
Predictability and Structure:
The clear, step-by-step format of Social Stories provides predictability, which can be comforting for individuals with autism. Knowing what to expect in a given situation reduces anxiety and increases confidence.

Tips for Success

Be Consistent: Use the Social Story regularly to reinforce learning.

Be Patient: It may take time for the individual to fully understand and apply the story.
Adapt as Needed: Update the story as the individual’s needs or the situation changes.

Social Stories are a versatile and effective tool for helping individuals with autism navigate the complexities of social interactions, emotional regulation, and daily life. By tailoring stories to the individual’s needs, incorporating visuals, and focusing on positive reinforcement, caregivers and educators can create meaningful narratives that empower individuals with autism to thrive. Whether addressing common challenges like turn-taking or unique situations like sensory sensitivities, Social Stories offer a structured and compassionate way to build understanding, reduce anxiety, and promote growth. With creativity and care, Social Stories can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of individuals with autism, helping them achieve greater independence and confidence in their daily lives.