The importance of Social Stories

Social Stories

A Social Story is a commonly used approach that aims to teach social skills to children with disabilities through engaging and interactive storytelling. A Social Story gently introduces social concepts and rules to children through the use of short stories. Social and behavioral concepts like transitions, games, and field trips can be taught using this strategy.

The key to a successful Social Story lies in its ability to cater to the child's individual needs, making sure it is tailored to their specific situation.

This last component is especially important for children who are oppositional or defiant (i.e., the child who does not decide what to do until you tell him to do something...then he does the opposite!). The Social Story can be paired with pictures and placed on a computer to take advantage of the child’s propensity towards visual instruction and interest in computers.

Kids with ASD learn best when they use Social Stories and Role-Playing together as a social primer. So, the child reads a Social Story and then tests the skill. For example, after reading about joining in with peers, the child would practice the skill. After reading the story and practicing, the child has time to try the skill in a social situation.

For more comprehensive guidance on creating a Social Story visit Social Worker Toolbox.

Check out our Social Story Workbook here