How to Write Social Stories for Kids with Autism

A Social Story™ is a short story that is written to teach social skills to children with autism. The story addresses a particular need by describing the situation, showing the perspective of others, providing important information, and teaching an appropriate response. Developed by Carol Gray in 1991, Social Stories™ were designed to be written according to specific guidelines. The goal of a Social Story is to share social information, affirm a desired behavior, and improve understanding of events and expectations.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine which skill or situation the story will address. The story should be developed to address one need---one statement, action or social situation that challenges the child.

• 2

  Define the child's perspective. If he is capable, let the child participate by describing how he interprets the problematic situation. Otherwise, take the time to observe the circumstances so that you can identify what's happening and why. Look at the motivation, not the behavior. For example, if he cries when the bell for recess rings, do not write a story about crying or about how crying is unacceptable. Write a story that helps him cope with the reason he is crying. Does the sound hurt his ears? Does the bell signal a frightening transition?

• 3

  List all the steps in the circumstance being addressed so that you can describe what happens, where, who is involved, and when it happens. Be specific about how the child is expected to respond.

• 4

  Write the story. Social Stories™ should be written in first person and in the present tense so that the child can identify with the story. Provide as much information as possible to help him gain a better understanding. Use vocabulary and choose a length for the story that is appropriate for the child's level of functioning.

• 5

  Follow Social Story™ structure. Social Stories™ use specific types of sentences: descriptive, perspective, directive, and control. Descriptive sentences tell who, what, where, when and why details about the situation. Perspective sentences provide details about the feelings, reactions, and thoughts of others involved in the situation. Directive statements tell the desired response or expected behavior. Control statements are designed to help the child remember the story. According to Gray, you should use about one directive or control statement for every two to five descriptive or perspective sentences, however stories don't have to include a directive. The story can simply have the goal of helping the child with autism understand someone else's perspective, giving information, or offering reassurance.

• 6

  Learn from examples available online. The references below have examples of Social Stories™ that you can follow and adapt for your own needs.

• 7

  Implement the story. Read the story to the child and answer questions and/or offer explanations. Model the desired behavior to help reinforce the concept. Create a schedule and read the story on a regular basis. Make sure that everyone who works with the child has the story and understands the goal. Additionally, read the story just before the child will enter the situation that the story deals with.