SOCIAL STORIES Visual Support – Part 1 of 3
When to use Social Stories –
Social Stories can be made to be simple or more complex for those with both 'low functioning' and 'high functioning' autism; or, in between. These stories can be shared by the general population, as well. One can create further theme development, allowing for extended activities of modeling, shaping, or role-playing. Also, consider the complexity of change needed and the degree to which the undesirable behavior needs to be extinguished.
How to write social stories for children with autism?
Write an outline of your social story, and consider aspects like setting, who else is in the scene, how long the event lasts and what happens during the situation. You want the story to be brief enough to maintain a child’s attention, but you also need enough detail to accurately describe a situation in a way a child with autism will understand behavior and skill expectations.
Why are social stories so important for children with autism?
Social skills are an important piece of your child’s development, but children with autism can also benefit from social stories. Social stories are a way which will help your autistic child to better understand and follow rules and routines of a new event or situation, requiring certain social skills. Or, to gain insight into the perspectives of others.
The ability to communicate one’s wants and needs help in decreasing frustrations which are provoking negative behaviors. Also helping in increasing the opportunity to learn to communicate one’s emotions and expressive language. The ability to communicate one’s wants and needs helps in decreasing frustrations which are provoking unwanted behaviors. Which at the same time, helps in increasing the child's opportunity to learn to communicate their emotions and expressive language.
When developing Social Stories, know the facts both positive & negative, but focus on the positive. Focusing on the positive behavior reduces anxiety. Give examples of what to do, instead of what NOT to do.
When to use Social Stories –
Social Stories can be made to be simple or more complex for those with both 'low functioning' and 'high functioning' autism; or, in between. These stories can be shared by the general population, as well. One can create further theme development, allowing for extended activities of modeling, shaping, or role-playing. Also, consider the complexity of change needed and the degree to which the undesirable behavior needs to be extinguished.
How to write social stories for children with autism?
Write an outline of your social story, and consider aspects like setting, who else is in the scene, how long the event lasts and what happens during the situation. You want the story to be brief enough to maintain a child’s attention, but you also need enough detail to accurately describe a situation in a way a child with autism will understand behavior and skill expectations.
Why are social stories so important for children with autism?
Social skills are an important piece of your child’s development, but children with autism can also benefit from social stories. Social stories are a way which will help your autistic child to better understand and follow rules and routines of a new event or situation, requiring certain social skills. Or, to gain insight into the perspectives of others.
The ability to communicate one’s wants and needs help in decreasing frustrations which are provoking negative behaviors. Also helping in increasing the opportunity to learn to communicate one’s emotions and expressive language. The ability to communicate one’s wants and needs helps in decreasing frustrations which are provoking unwanted behaviors. Which at the same time, helps in increasing the child's opportunity to learn to communicate their emotions and expressive language.
When developing Social Stories, know the facts both positive & negative, but focus on the positive. Focusing on the positive behavior reduces anxiety. Give examples of what to do, instead of what NOT to do.
Parent and child creating their own Social Story.
Sicile-Kira, C. (2014) says that, “Social relationships are important to all people, yet are difficult for many on the autism spectrum to develop naturally.” “…having social skills, knowing about expected yet often unstated rules of behavior, and social boundaries.” “…there are different ways of teaching what is needed to be learned about relationships.” Some of the things she suggests creating and using Social Stories for are – Social Skills Training, Social Thinking, and Hidden Rules, and experiencing expected / unexpected situations.
< My Thoughts > "...using Social Stories for..."
Consider creating a Social Story just for fun, or for building skills, introducing change, or what to expect in certain social interactions. You can also begin to introduce this 'storytelling' concept to teach desirable behaviors through Comic Strips and /or Storyboards, before creating more complex Social Stories. All of these are ways to include age-appropriate and engaging Visuals.
Crozier, S. & Tincani, M. (2007) tell us that “a ‘social story’ is a short story written for an individual. The story describes a specific activity and the behavior expectations associated with that activity.” For instance if you are going to take your child to the park for the first time, you could create a little story to show them what to do or expect to see there. You can also create a story to introduce ‘novel’ events such as Holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or other upcoming events.
Reference:
Crozier, S. & Tincani, M. (2006). Effects of Social Stories on Prosocial Behavior of Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V37, p.1803 - 1814.
Sicile-Kira, C. (2014). Autism Spectrum Disorder (revised): The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism; New York, New York: Penguin Random House Company.
Sicile-Kira, C. (2014) says that, “Social relationships are important to all people, yet are difficult for many on the autism spectrum to develop naturally.” “…having social skills, knowing about expected yet often unstated rules of behavior, and social boundaries.” “…there are different ways of teaching what is needed to be learned about relationships.” Some of the things she suggests creating and using Social Stories for are – Social Skills Training, Social Thinking, and Hidden Rules, and experiencing expected / unexpected situations.
< My Thoughts > "...using Social Stories for..."
Consider creating a Social Story just for fun, or for building skills, introducing change, or what to expect in certain social interactions. You can also begin to introduce this 'storytelling' concept to teach desirable behaviors through Comic Strips and /or Storyboards, before creating more complex Social Stories. All of these are ways to include age-appropriate and engaging Visuals.
Crozier, S. & Tincani, M. (2007) tell us that “a ‘social story’ is a short story written for an individual. The story describes a specific activity and the behavior expectations associated with that activity.” For instance if you are going to take your child to the park for the first time, you could create a little story to show them what to do or expect to see there. You can also create a story to introduce ‘novel’ events such as Holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or other upcoming events.
Reference:
Crozier, S. & Tincani, M. (2006). Effects of Social Stories on Prosocial Behavior of Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V37, p.1803 - 1814.
Sicile-Kira, C. (2014). Autism Spectrum Disorder (revised): The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism; New York, New York: Penguin Random House Company.
Before making a more complicated Social Story, you may wish to create a more simplified version. Try a beginners quick Storyboard using shapes and maybe stick drawings (above). Or, a more involved, step-by-step Comic strip (below); to illustrate new activities and / or events.
You want the Comic strip depiction to be brief enough to maintain a child’s attention, but you also need enough detail to accurately describe a situation in a way a child with autism will understand behavior and skill expectations.
SOCIAL STORIES – Part 2 of 3
A favorite of parents and teachers for learning self-awareness would by teaching social skills through ‘Social Stories’. Carol Gray was the official originator of ‘Social Stories’ and you can find much online to learn more about her methods. Versions of these teacher/parent–made stories have been used the world over, in some form or another. You don’t have to take a course or follow a certain protocol in order to create them.
< My Thoughts > "...in order to create them."
Use your creative license here. Children with autism or autism-like behavior take in a lot more than parents are aware. They often use peripheral vision to watch your every move, but you’ll never catch them looking at you. So, create this social stories within his or her view. Best of all scenarios would be to have them choose a picture or help you in some way, however small. Of course, the latest twist on Carol Gray’s Social Stories is the APP available so that you can create, present, and store your child’s stories on your iPad or iPhone.
A favorite of parents and teachers for learning self-awareness would by teaching social skills through ‘Social Stories’. Carol Gray was the official originator of ‘Social Stories’ and you can find much online to learn more about her methods. Versions of these teacher/parent–made stories have been used the world over, in some form or another. You don’t have to take a course or follow a certain protocol in order to create them.
< My Thoughts > "...in order to create them."
Use your creative license here. Children with autism or autism-like behavior take in a lot more than parents are aware. They often use peripheral vision to watch your every move, but you’ll never catch them looking at you. So, create this social stories within his or her view. Best of all scenarios would be to have them choose a picture or help you in some way, however small. Of course, the latest twist on Carol Gray’s Social Stories is the APP available so that you can create, present, and store your child’s stories on your iPad or iPhone.
Picture of Dino using a Social Story iPad App
Crozier, S. & Tincani, M. (2007) tell us that “a ‘social story’ is a short story written for an individual. The story describes a specific activity and the behavior expectations associated with that activity.” You can also create a story more engaging, by using pictures of the child, or a favorite character.
< My Thoughts > "...written for an individual."
One way to ‘individualize’ a Social Story would be to use your child favorite character. Refer to 'favorite character' use in UNIT #3C Power Cards. This one show the use of a dinosaur, which happens to be a favorite of some age groups. Use the child's name. Let the story be somewhat of a routine to follow when certain situations occur. Provide the support needed in your child's world.
Crozier, S. & Tincani, M. (2007) tell us that “a ‘social story’ is a short story written for an individual. The story describes a specific activity and the behavior expectations associated with that activity.” You can also create a story more engaging, by using pictures of the child, or a favorite character.
< My Thoughts > "...written for an individual."
One way to ‘individualize’ a Social Story would be to use your child favorite character. Refer to 'favorite character' use in UNIT #3C Power Cards. This one show the use of a dinosaur, which happens to be a favorite of some age groups. Use the child's name. Let the story be somewhat of a routine to follow when certain situations occur. Provide the support needed in your child's world.
SOCIAL STORY PART 3 OF 3 ~
The main objective for any intervention strategy should be to help the child with autism cope with and better understand expected behaviors, skills, and communications. Social Stories will engage children, thus helping them learn better ways of interacting with their environment, encounters, and situations. These stories can help to reduce an autistic child's stress, confusion, or anxiety.
Using Social Skills Stories as an intervention strategy will help you with improving your child's understanding of many situations that they are struggling with. This can have a positive affect on reducing unwanted behaviors. Generally, children with an autistic spectrum disorder are visual thinkers and learners, meaning they can often think in pictures.
Social Stories use this 'picture' strategy and are usually visually rich, easy to use plus, they can be edited and personalized to suit all ages and abilities. Retrieved from – http://www.autismsocialstories.com/behavior/index.html
< My Thoughts > "...intervention strategy..."
Social Stories as a Teen intervention strategy may include, simple stories of what to do when –
Lupiani, N. (2024) has learned that teens need Social Stories to overcome some of the following problems –
Reference:
Lupiani, N. (2024). Social Stories for Teens: Overcoming Everyday Challenges. Retrieved online from – https://www.storyboardthat.com/articles/e/social-stories-for-teens
SOCIAL STORY PART 3 OF 3 ~
The main objective for any intervention strategy should be to help the child with autism cope with and better understand expected behaviors, skills, and communications. Social Stories will engage children, thus helping them learn better ways of interacting with their environment, encounters, and situations. These stories can help to reduce an autistic child's stress, confusion, or anxiety.
Using Social Skills Stories as an intervention strategy will help you with improving your child's understanding of many situations that they are struggling with. This can have a positive affect on reducing unwanted behaviors. Generally, children with an autistic spectrum disorder are visual thinkers and learners, meaning they can often think in pictures.
Social Stories use this 'picture' strategy and are usually visually rich, easy to use plus, they can be edited and personalized to suit all ages and abilities. Retrieved from – http://www.autismsocialstories.com/behavior/index.html
< My Thoughts > "...intervention strategy..."
Social Stories as a Teen intervention strategy may include, simple stories of what to do when –
- Someone gets too close to you
- You feel anxious and need to leave
- Want someone to help you
- Need someone else’s viewpoint
Lupiani, N. (2024) has learned that teens need Social Stories to overcome some of the following problems –
- Improving Social Understanding (actual examples of social scenarios)
- Reducing Social Anxiety (social scripts to practice & follow)
- Enhancing Self-Confidence (expectations & appropriate responses)
- Improving Problem-Solving Skills (considering how to navigate conflicts)
- Increasing Empathy & Perspective (taking another’s perspective for more positive relationships)
- Generalizing Skills (transferring skills & solutions from one situation to another)
- Promoting Independence (giving a teen a sense of agency, autonomy, & confidence)
Reference:
Lupiani, N. (2024). Social Stories for Teens: Overcoming Everyday Challenges. Retrieved online from – https://www.storyboardthat.com/articles/e/social-stories-for-teens