What Are Social Stories? 5 Ideas to Boost Your Teen’s Interpersonal Skills
Imagine all the things we do every day without thinking twice about it. Going to the grocery store, scheduling a dentist appointment, asking a coworker for a favor—these are all interactions that may seem mindless, but for someone on the autism spectrum, these situations can cause feelings of distress, confusion, and self-doubt.
Social stories are a resource that can help your teen understand social norms and expectations, as well as provide them with tools for things like self-care and emotional regulation. This blog post will teach you why and how to use social stories to inspire your teen’s social skills (and gives you a few ideas for getting started.) Let’s jump in!
But First… What Are Social Stories?
Social stories are short, illustrated narratives that describe a social experience and explain what to do in that situation. These stories aim to help teens and adults with autism prepare for unfamiliar situations, set realistic expectations, and understand abstract or complex concepts.
Social stories can also ensure your teen’s safety by teaching them what behavior is appropriate and how to ask for help if they feel uncomfortable. They can be presented as a flipbook, a storyboard, or even recorded as a video.
Key Elements of a Social Story
Has a singular goal that targets a specific situation, task, or event
Is well-researched, informative, and descriptive
Uses positive and realistic language to explain a particular concept
How to Use Social Stories: The Benefits for Teens with Autism
Social stories can be a powerful tool for helping teens with autism navigate social interactions, daily routines, and unexpected life events. These narratives can reduce anxiety, promote executive functioning and daily life skills, and boost your teen’s social confidence. They can add structure to an otherwise destabilizing situation or teach your teen the steps and outcome of completing a particular task. Social stories can be used as a behavioral tool as well by describing a situation and promoting positive reinforcement for a desired response.
Ready to learn how to write social stories? Keep reading for a few ideas!
How to Write Social Stories: 5 Creative Ideas for Getting Started
So you’re thrilled to learn about this awesome tool that can help your teen, but the problem is…you don’t have the first clue how to write social stories! Don’t worry, with these ideas and tips? You’ll be giving Shakespeare a run for his money in no time.
3 Helpful Tips for Writing a Social Story
Social stories are meant to be clear and easily digested. Use simple language and avoid including too many details.
Use illustrations or visual aids. Not only is it more fun, but it will also help your teen better engage with the story.
Base the story on what your teen is already interested in. A story that is tailored to your teen’s unique needs and interests will be more memorable and exciting.
So what topics can your social story cover? They can be used to cover a wide range of life experiences, such as:
Meeting new people: Use this story to help your teen understand and practice how to introduce themselves to new people and engage in conversation.
Going through a transition: If your teen is struggling with a change in their routine, use this story to reassure them about what’s happening and calm their uncertainties about the upcoming changes.
Taking a field trip: Soothe the anxieties that come with new environments by using this story to set expectations, discuss travel concerns, and address any potential sensory issues that may arise during the trip.
Playing at recess: This story can be used to teach your teen lessons about communication, taking turns, and playing fair with others.
Going to the doctor: Help your teen understand what to expect when they visit a doctor's office, and what they should do if they feel uncomfortable or scared.
Playing at recess: This story can be used to teach your teen lessons about communication, taking turns, and playing fair with others.
Going to the doctor: Help your teen understand what to expect when they visit a doctor's office, and what they should do if they feel uncomfortable or scared.
While social stories should be written in a clear and descriptive sentence format with pertinent illustrations, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run free. Use photos of yourself or your family completing a routine or dust off your sketchbook and try your hand at drawing the story. With a little creativity and time, you can create fun and practical stories that help them feel more calm and confident amongst their peers. Now that’s magical!
PS Academy Arizona is a K-12 private school in Gilbert, AZ that offers a comprehensive, individualized curriculum for students with autism and other exceptionalities. To learn more about our student programs, get in touch with one of our enrollment specialists today.
