Social Stories

What is Social Stories? What behaviors does it help? Who is it best used for? How can I implement them? What materials do I need? How do I write a social story? Examples of social stories? Helpful Links

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A short written story which teaches students social skills

Usually for students with autism You can use stories written specifically for

your student or generic ones Helps students understand what is the

expected and appropriate social behavior Has been investigated in home settings and

outdoor areas as well as inclusive classrooms

What is it?

Sitting appropriately Talking with peers Appropriate play Hand raising Taking turns Using words rather than noises Appropriate body space Healthy hygiene Coping in public/Greeting people Almost any social behavior

Helps with…

Generally students with autism or autistic behaviors

Usually used between ages 3-10 years but has been successful with older students

Should be a student who has behaviors which interfere with his/her learning or socialization

Who is it used for?

Should be implemented by someone who has worked with the student regularly

Read the social story aloud immediately prior to the target activity, such as circle time◦ Should be read the first few times by the adult,

even if the child can read it Should be continued every day for 15-25

days Used periodically after when needed

How to Implement Them

A social story, either a generic or one written for the student

Optional: chart for monitoring progress

What Materials?

Written in a way which is easily understood by student

Two to five descriptive, perspective, and/or affirmative sentences for each directive sentence.

Written from the perspective of the student Written in present-tense Written in first person Typed on white paper Pictures optional

How to Write a Social Story

“My name is Thomas. We have circle time at school. The kids sit on the carpet with the teacher. The kids sit and watch the teacher. Sometimes we sing and read at circle. I will sit on the carpet with my friends at circle time. I will look at the teacher in circle. My teacher is happy when I sit at circle!”

Example for 3 year old. Target: Sit at morning circle

Example for 5 year old

Used from:

Child-Autism-Parent Cafe. Practical Ways to help, plan, and manage daily living with autism.

Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations

Sam's Autism and Social Stories Page: Created by a mother of two autistic boys

Official home of Carol Gray and Social Stories

Sample Social Stories by Carol Gray

Helpful Links for Autism and Social StoriesFor your own use and to share with parents

Effects of Social Stories on Prosocial Behavior of Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Crozier & Tincani 2006

A Social Stories Intervention Package for Students with Autism in Inclusive Classroom Settings. Chan & O’Reilly 2008

Enhancing the Conversational Skills of a Boy with Asperger’s Disorder through Social Stories and Video Modeling. Scattone 2008

Peer-Reviewed Studies On Social Stories