Positively Autism ~ Social Stories ~ August, 2007

Social Stories
Volume 2, Issue 8 ~ August, 2007

A Brief Introduction to Social Stories

A Social Story is a tool for teaching social skills in a variety of situations. It provides a written example (often supported by pictures) of what a person can expect to happen in a social situation, and what he or she will need to do in that situation. Social Stories may be used to prepare a student for an upcoming event, such as a field trip or family vacation, a specific classroom routine, or a social event.

Social stories are usually customized for each person they are written for, but existing stories found in books or online can be used and modified to a specific person or situation.

Writing Social Stories

A social story is often written in the present tense, from the perspective of the student. (Such as, "When my class comes inside after recess, I sit down at my desk."). There are three types of sentences most commonly used when writing a social story.

A descriptive sentence gives information about the situation or setting: where and when the setting is, who is there, what the student is to do, and why the action is important.

A perspective sentence gives an insight into what the people in the setting may be thinking or feeling.

A directive sentence informs the student of an appropriate response or action in the situation.

Using Social Stories

To implement a social story intervention, the story is read to the student shortly before the social situation will take place, for several consecutive days. The story should also be available at other times for the student to look at or read. After reading the story, the student should be provided opportunities to practice the target skill(s).

More Information and Examples

For a detailed introduction, including example stories, specific instructions for writing social stories, and how to select target social skills, I highly recommend reading "An Introduction to Social Stories" by Jason M. Wallin.