Social Stories™ for People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide

Revealing the Hidden Social Code: Social Stories (TM) for People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

by Marie Howley

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	162 pages

FREE

Social Stories™ are a powerful tool for teaching individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) how to navigate various social situations. Developed by Carol Gray in the 1990s, Social Stories™ are individualized narratives that describe a specific social interaction or situation in a clear and predictable way. They provide step-by-step instructions on how to behave appropriately and how to respond to others in different social contexts.

Benefits of Social Stories™

Research has shown that Social Stories™ can offer a wide range of benefits for individuals with ASDs, including:

• Improved social skills: Social Stories™ can help individuals with ASDs learn how to interact with others in a positive and appropriate way. They can improve social communication, social interaction, and social behavior.
• Reduced anxiety and stress: By providing individuals with ASDs with a clear understanding of what to expect in different social situations, Social Stories™ can help reduce their anxiety and stress levels.
• Increased self-awareness: Social Stories™ can help individuals with ASDs become more aware of their own strengths and weaknesses in social situations.
• Improved self-regulation: Social Stories™ can help individuals with ASDs learn how to regulate their own behavior in social situations.
• Increased independence: By teaching individuals with ASDs how to navigate social situations independently, Social Stories™ can help them become more independent and self-sufficient.

How to Write Effective Social Stories™

Writing effective Social Stories™ requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Identify the target behavior: Determine the specific social skill or behavior that you want to address with the Social Story™.
2. Gather information: Observe the individual in the target social situation and collect information about their strengths, weaknesses, and challenges.
3. Write the story: Use clear and concise language that is appropriate for the individual's developmental level. Include step-by-step instructions on how to behave appropriately and how to respond to others.
4. Review the story: Share the Social Story™ with the individual and with other professionals involved in their care. Get feedback and make any necessary revisions.

How to Use Social Stories™

Social Stories™ can be used in a variety of ways to support individuals with ASDs. Here are some tips for using Social Stories™ effectively:

• Read the story aloud: Read the Social Story™ to the individual several times before the target social situation.
• Discuss the story: Talk to the individual about the story and ask them questions to ensure that they understand the content.
• Role-play the situation: Practice the target social situation with the individual using the Social Story™ as a guide.
• Use the story as a reference: Encourage the individual to refer to the Social Story™ when they are in the target social situation.
• Monitor progress: Observe the individual's behavior in the target social situation and make any necessary adjustments to the Social Story™ or to the intervention plan.

Social Stories™ are a valuable tool for teaching individuals with ASDs how to navigate various social situations. They can improve social skills, reduce anxiety and stress, increase self-awareness, and promote self-regulation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can write and use Social Stories™ effectively to support individuals with ASDs in their social development.

References

1. Gray, C. (2000). Social Stories: A Practical Guide for Using Social Stories to Teach Social Skills to Children with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, Inc.
2. Howlin, P., & Charman, T. (2002). Social Stories and the Development of Social Understanding in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32(5),409-424.
3. Baker, J. N. (2003). Social Stories as a Treatment for Social Skills Deficits in Children with Autism: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33(4),435-444.
4. Attwood, T. (2007). The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
5. National Autistic Society (2015). Social Stories. Retrieved from https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-information/topics/social-communication/social-stories

Revealing the Hidden Social Code: Social Stories (TM) for People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

by Marie Howley

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	162 pages

FREE