Social stories help children and teens with autism understand and navigate different situations. These simple, personalized stories make a difference in a student's ability to interact with others and deal with new or challenging experiences. This guide will walk you through creating social stories to ensure they are effective and engaging for your teen.

Understanding Social Stories

Social stories are short narratives designed to teach social norms, routines, and skills to individuals with autism. They provide a clear, concise explanation of what to expect in given situations and offer guidance on appropriate responses. They are used to improve the child’s or teen’s understanding of social interactions and reduce anxiety in unfamiliar or challenging situations. Social stories are effective for students with autism to help them develop social and communication skills.

Identifying the Need

The first step in creating a social story is identifying what specific situation or behavior needs to be addressed. This could be anything from making friends to dealing with changes in routine to handling social interactions like greeting others or taking turns in conversation. Observe your teen's behavior and talk to them about different social situations. Consider moments when they seem anxious, confused or exhibit inappropriate responses. Common scenarios for social stories include starting a new school year, visiting the doctor, or participating in group activities.

Components of a Social Story

A well-crafted social story typically includes the following components:

• Title - A clear, concise title that reflects the story's content.

• Introduction - A brief introduction that sets the context for the story.

• Body - The main part of the story explains the situation in detail and provides guidance on appropriate behavior.

• Conclusion - A summary or closing statement that reinforces the key points.

Use simple language and include visual aids like pictures or illustrations to strengthen understanding. Each sentence should convey one idea or piece of information, making it easier to process.

Writing the Social Story

When writing a social story, it's important to be clear, concise and focused on the student's perspective. Here are some steps to follow:

• Describe the Situation - Begin by describing the situation in simple terms. 

• "When I go to the doctor, I might feel nervous."

• Explain the Expected Behavior - Clearly explain what is expected in the situation. 

• "I can tell the doctor how I feel and ask questions if I am unsure."

• Use Positive Language - Focus on positive behaviors and outcomes.

• "I will feel better after the doctor helps me."

• Personalize the Story - Tailor the story to your teen's specific needs and experiences. Use their name and refer to their personal preferences or experiences.

Implementing the Social Story

Once the social story is written, it's time to introduce it to your teen. Here are some strategies for effectively doing so:

• Read the social story with your teen regularly, especially before the anticipated situation occurs. This repetition helps reinforce important concepts.

• Engage your teen in discussions about the story. Ask questions to help them best understand and apply the information.

• Role-playing can also be a helpful way to practice the behaviors described in the story. This can make your teen more comfortable and confident in real-life situations.

• Monitoring your teen's response to the social story is crucial. Observe their behavior in the relevant situations and note any improvements or challenges. Gather feedback from teachers, therapists, or other caregivers who interact with your teen.

If the social story is not achieving the desired results, consider making adjustments. This could involve simplifying the language, adding more visual aids, or modifying the content to better suit your teen's needs. 

Creating Social Opportunities

Social stories are a valuable tool for helping students with autism navigate social situations and develop essential social skills. Following this guide, you can create social stories supporting your teen's growth and well-being.

At PS Academy Arizona, we are committed to providing the resources and support needed to ensure our students succeed. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we support teens with autism and other exceptionalities and help them to thrive.