What are Social Stories
A social story is a narrative made to illustrate certain situations and problems and how people deal with them. They help children with autism understand social norms and learn how to communicate with others appropriately. Social stories explain social situations to autistic children and help them learn how to handle these situations. These stories are sometimes called social scripts, social narratives or story-based interventions. Social Stories are developed according to 10 key criteria that guide story research, development and use. Other professionals and parents can also use these key criteria to write their own social stories.
When it comes to supporting children with autism, social stories have proven to be a valuable tool. These stories are designed to help individuals with autism better understand social situations, navigate daily routines, and develop important social skills. In this section, we will delve into what social stories are and how they can benefit children with autism.
How Social Stories Help
- Promote understanding: Social stories break down complex social situations into smaller, more manageable parts. By using simple language and visuals, they help individuals with autism grasp the key concepts and expectations.
- Facilitate learning: Social stories provide a structured framework for learning social skills. They can teach individuals with autism how to respond appropriately in different situations, such as sharing, taking turns, or initiating conversations.
- Support communication: For individuals with autism who may have challenges with expressive language, social stories serve as a tool for communication. They provide a means to express thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a visual and concrete way.
- Reduce anxiety: Social stories help alleviate anxiety by providing information and predictability. By knowing what to expect in a given situation, individuals with autism may experience less stress and be better equipped to cope with new or unfamiliar social contexts.v
- Increase self-confidence: Social stories empower individuals with autism by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate social situations successfully. This increased confidence can lead to greater independence and a sense of belonging.
