What are Social Stories?

In the realm of supporting individuals with social and communication challenges, Social Stories have emerged as powerful tools for fostering understanding, empathy, and positive behavior. Developed by Carol Gray in the early 1990s, Social Stories are concise narratives designed to help individuals, especially those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or other developmental differences, navigate social situations with greater ease. This article explores the concept of Social Stories, their purpose, and the impact they can have on social development.

Photo credit: My CareSpace

What are Social Stories

Social Stories are short, personalized narratives that describe social situations, concepts, or expectations in a clear and sequential manner. They are written from the individual’s perspective, tailored to their unique needs, and often include visual supports such as pictures or icons to enhance comprehension. The primary goal of a Social Story is to provide individuals with a framework for understanding and responding appropriately to specific social cues, rules, or expectations.

Components of a Social Story:

1. Introduction: Social Stories typically begin with an introduction that sets the stage for the narrative. This section establishes the context and identifies the main topic or situation being addressed.
2. Perspective-Taking: Social Stories aim to promote perspective-taking by helping individuals understand the thoughts, feelings, and actions of others in a given situation. This section often highlights the emotions and motivations of various characters involved.
3. Descriptive Sentences: The main body of the Social Story consists of descriptive sentences that break down the social situation into manageable and understandable components. This part clarifies the sequence of events, appropriate behaviors, and potential outcomes.
4. Perspective of the Individual: Including the individual’s perspective is crucial. Social Stories often articulate how the person can contribute to or navigate the situation successfully. This empowers them by offering a guide to appropriate social behavior.
5. Reinforcement of Positive Behavior: To reinforce positive behavior, Social Stories conclude with statements that emphasize the benefits of appropriate actions. This positive reinforcement encourages the individual to engage in socially acceptable behaviors.

Applications of Social Stories:

1. Navigating Transitions: Social Stories are valuable tools for preparing individuals for transitions or changes in routine, such as moving to a new school, starting a different class, or going on a field trip.
2. Building Social Skills: They help individuals develop and refine social skills, such as greetings, turn-taking, sharing, and understanding non-verbal cues.
3. Addressing Challenging Behaviors: Social Stories can be used to address and manage challenging behaviors by providing alternative, more appropriate responses to certain situations.
4. Promoting Empathy: By encouraging perspective-taking, Social Stories contribute to the development of empathy, helping individuals understand and relate to the experiences of others.

Social Stories have proven to be invaluable tools in fostering social development and communication skills, particularly for individuals facing challenges in these areas. Whether used in educational settings, therapeutic interventions, or at home, Social Stories provide a structured and supportive framework for individuals to navigate the intricacies of social interaction, promoting a greater sense of understanding, acceptance, and connection.

Here are some useful sites with guides on social stories and sample social stories:

• Living Well With Autism
• My CareSpace
• Autism Little Learners
• Caroline Koehler Celavora Education
• Autism Parenting Magazine