How to Create And Use Social Stories
Social stories were introduced by Carol Gray in the early 1990s as a tool to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) better understand social situations and improve their social skills. These stories present information in a structured, descriptive, and supportive manner to help individuals with ASD navigate social interactions, understand emotions, and learn appropriate responses in different situations. In this article, we will explain what social stories are, how to create them, and of course, how to use them effectively.
Understanding Social Stories
Social stories have been supported by anecdotal evidence and case studies, and some studies suggest positive outcomes for some individuals with autism after using social stories. However, it is important to note that the strength and consistency of the evidence are not robust. Social stories have limited scientific support, and it is recommended to consider other procedures with more solid scientific support, such as Behavioral Skills Training, behavior contracts, or video modeling.
Creating a Social Story
If you decide to use social stories as a method of intervention for your child, here is a step-by-step guide on how to create one:
1. Identify the Specific Social Situation or Behavior: Determine the particular social situation or behavior that the Social Story will address. It could be related to making friends, going to a new place, handling frustration, or any other scenario that the child with ASD may find challenging.
2. Write the Social Story: A Social Story typically follows a specific structure. It should be written in a positive, descriptive, and first-person style.
- Introduction: Set the context and introduce the main character (the child).
- Description of Feelings: Describe the child’s perspective and feelings in the given situation.
- Objective Information: Provide objective and specific information about the situation, including relevant cues and actions.
- Appropriate Responses: Offer suggestions for appropriate responses or behaviors in the situation.
3. Use Visuals: Incorporate visuals such as pictures or drawings to enhance understanding and engagement.
4. Keep It Short and Simple: Social Stories should be concise, using simple language to avoid confusion.
5. Review and Edit: Ensure the story accurately reflects the intended message and is appropriate for the child’s developmental level.
Using the Social Story
1. Introduce the Social Story: Read the Social Story together with the child multiple times in a calm and supportive environment. Gradually increase exposure to the story to aid comprehension.
2. Reinforcement: Praise and reinforce the child when they demonstrate appropriate behaviors in the targeted situation.
3. Monitor Progress: Observe the child’s responses and behaviors in the specific social situation and provide additional support or modifications if necessary.
Example of Social Story:
Once upon a time, there was a child named Alex. Alex loved going to the playground, but sometimes it felt overwhelming to see so many kids playing together. Alex would feel a little nervous and unsure about how to join in the games.
In these situations, Alex remembered to take a deep breath and watch the other kids play for a moment. Alex noticed that sometimes kids would welcome others by smiling or waving hello. So, Alex decided to try it too.
One day, Alex saw a group of kids playing tag. Alex smiled and waved at them. One of the kids noticed and said, “Hey, do you want to play tag with us?” Alex felt happy and said, “Yes!”
Alex had a great time playing tag with new friends and felt proud for being brave.
Conclusion
Social stories are a valuable tool in supporting the social and emotional development of children with ASD, empowering them to navigate social interactions with greater confidence and success. However, it’s essential to remember that every child with ASD is unique, and social stories should be used in combination with other interventions and therapies to provide comprehensive support.
Also read: 6 Sleep Strategies to Prepare a Child with Autism for Bed Time
About Olga Sirbu
My name is Olga Sirbu, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst. My goal is to support and empower families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Advance is dedicated to training parents and caregivers, providing practical tips, and teaching individuals how to educate kids with autism.
I share evidence-based practices to help you better understand and support individuals with autism. Learn practical strategies to help individuals with autism reach their full potential, as well as gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of autism.
Thank you for considering Autism Advance as a resource for your autism journey.
