Social Stories
Individuals with autistic spectrum disorders often experience difficulty
processing social information. Social difficulties frequently displayed
in persons with autism may be related to their relative lack of ability
to infer what another individual may think or feel. (lack of "theory
of mind"). Misunderstanding of social cues by children with autism
often results in difficulties interacting at home and at school. Social
stories are short stories designed to improve communication and behavior
in persons with autism, by presenting social situations in simple, concrete
terms. Social stories typically include four types of sentences: The first
type discusses a specific situation, describing what happens and why (descriptive
sentence). Next, responses likely to be successful are outlined for the
person (directive sentences). Thirdly, the perspective of other characters
in the story is presented in attempts to develop the reader's insight
(perspective sentences). Finally, the individual adds sentences which
help reinforce the cues they have learned (control sentences). Two to
five descriptive sentences should be used per each directive sentence.
Social stories may be written for individuals to help them deal with
new experiences, or adjust to changes in environment or routine. A social
story may also be written to coach a child concerning appropriate behaviors;
or in attempts to stimulate their insight into other's feelings. The effect
of social story use as a behavioral intervention is a topic of current
interest in autism research. Results of recent studies indicate that social
stories are indeed a useful tool for teaching appropriate social behavior
in persons with autism.
The clinic/physician's office is one setting which may prove stressful
for all children, particularly those with autism. Children or adults who
struggle with communication and/or social skills may benefit from the
use of a social story written to address a trip to the physician. Although
social stories are most effective when written for a specific individual,
commercially produced collections of social stories are available from
various sources- including ones written by the originator of social stories,
Carol Gray. Books by various other authors are also available. Such publications
may be useful in the clinic/office setting when adapted to the individual
user.
References
Adams, L., Aphroditi, G., VanLue, M., & Waldron,
C. (2004). Social story intervention: Improving communication skills in
a child with an autistic spectrum disorder. Focus on Autism and other
Developmental Disabilities, 19(2), 87-94
Kuoch, H. and Mirenda, P. (2003). Social story interventions
for young children with autistic spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism
and other Developmental Disabilities, 18(4), 219-227
Scattone, D., Wilczynski, S.M., Edwards, R.P., &
Rabian, B. (2002). Decreasing disruptive behaviors of children with autism
using social stories. Journal of Autism and other Developmental Disorders,
32(6), 535-543