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
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.
What defines a social story ?
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
Examples of Social stories that help in autism
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.