Date: October 12, 2024 // By: Nelson Perez
Social stories are tools that can be used to provide information to individuals with autism in a clear way with pictures and text. They are particularly helpful for children with autism, social communication challenges, or those who benefit from concrete, visual representations of life events or big changes coming up. The great thing about social stories is their simplicity and adaptability – you can customize them for different situations, making them unique for the person using them.
Social stories can be used to provide clear information, but it should not be used alone. It’s more of a starting point depending on what it’s used for. Creating a social story for “going to the park” can provide information on what to expect, what it looks like, and how to behave (Ex. Staying on the grass and not running in parking lots). However, first hand experience with positive reinforcement and fun will have much better outcomes.
Gathering the right materials makes creating social stories fun and creative. It doesn’t need to be stressful. Here are a few resources and tools to get started:
ChatGPT Prompt:
Create a social story for a child with autism about [insert specific topic here]. Include clear and simple language, no more than 15 words per page, a minimum of 7 pages and maximum of 10, suggestions that the child can do if they’re getting upset, and add visuals or instructions if applicable. The story should be positive, supportive, and help the child understand the situation with calm reassurance.
The first step is to identify the situation or behavior that needs support. Think of situations that are challenging for the child.
Example: “We are going to the park today!”
(Visual: Picture of a park with trees, swings, and a slide)
After picking a topic, use language that matches the person’s comprehension level, and focus on positive phrasing. Avoid complicated words or long sentences. The goal is to empower the reader or listener to know what to expect and how to respond.
A social story script typically has three types of sentences:
Visuals make social stories better and offers more context. Some children respond better to real-life photos while others enjoy cartoon-like images or icons. It’s best to use what will help the child understand the situation better.
For example, if creating a social story about getting a haircut, include pictures of the barbershop, the barber, and the tools used (like scissors and a comb). If the story is about making friends, consider pictures showing children smiling and playing together.
Social stories are not about telling children what they’re doing “wrong.” Instead, they focus on teaching new skills in a positive, supportive way. Frame behaviors in a constructive way, offering reassurance throughout the story.
For example, if writing a story about going to the dentist, include a positive statement like, “The dentist helps keep my teeth healthy, and I can take deep breaths if I feel nervous.” Acknowledging the child’s feelings while offering comforting strategies can encourage a sense of calm and readiness.
Remember, the child’s actual experience in these types of situations will make all the difference and a social story is just the beginning. It also provides us with a script so we can frame things in a positive way.
Read the social story together in a calm and relaxing setting or before the event. It’s important to make this an enjoyable and positive experience.
Use an encouraging tone and allow the child to ask questions or interact with the story by pointing and holding it. Some children may benefit from role-playing the situation as you read the story, which can further help reinforce the skills being learned.
Repetition is important. Practice reading the social story regularly, especially before the situation arises. For example, if it’s about going to the store, read it before each trip.
Each child and situation is unique, and so should be their social story. Customize the story based on how they respond and their preferences. If the child seems uninterested or confused by a section, revise it to make it more relatable and enjoyable.
Sometimes situations evolve or new skills are learned, so it’s important to revisit and update stories as needed.
If crafting a social story from scratch feels overwhelming, there are many ready-made resources available. Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers, Autism Speaks, and Twinkl offer pre-made social stories that cover a wide range of scenarios. These resources can serve as templates or inspiration for creating your own personalized stories.
Apps like “Pictello – $9.99” or “Story Creator – AI” also allow you to build digital social stories with photos, audio, and customizable text. These are better options for children who enjoy interactive technology.
Social stories are a great tool to help children understand social situations, expectations, or upcoming changes. They can be simple, individualized, and are presented in a friendly non-judgmental way.
Start small, be patient, and enjoy the creative process of bringing each story to life. Most importantly, remember that this is just a starting point, but will help complement the first-hand experience they’ll get. Additional strategies are recommended when the time arises to work on a skill or go to a new location.
Whether it’s learning how interact with others or preparing for a new experience, social stories open the door to positive experiences and successful interactions.
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