Using Social Stories

• How to Create a Successful Social Story

  When drafting your social story ensure it meets the following criteria:

  • It meaningfully shares social information with an overall reassuring quality.
  • The story has an introduction that clearly identifies the topic, a body that adds detail and a conclusion that reinforces and summarises the information.
  • Provides the answers to “wh” questions, describing the setting or context (where), time-related information (when), relevant people (who), important cues (what), basic activities, behaviours and statements (how), and the reasons or rationale behind them (why).
  • Your story is written from the first person perspective, as though the child is describing the event.
  • Uses positive language.
  • It follows the Social Story formula which is a ratio of at least 2:1 descriptive to directive sentences.
  • The story matches the ability and interests of the child and is literally accurate.
  • If appropriate, the story uses carefully selected illustrations that are meaningful for the child and enhance the meaning of the text.
  • The title of the story meets all applicable Social Story criteria.

  It is important that social stories are comprised of descriptive sentences, with an option of any of the following sentence types:

  Perspective sentences - that describe the thoughts, feelings or beliefs of other people.

  Co-operative sentences - that describe what others will do in support of the child.

  Directive sentences - that identify suggested responses or choices of responses to a given situation.

  Affirmative sentences - that enhance the meaning of surrounding statements.

  Control sentences - developed by the child to help him or her recall and apply information to the story.

• Introducing a Social Story

  Plan when, where and how often the story will be used with the child.

  Present the story at a time when everyone is feeling calm and relaxed.

  Use a straightforward approach when you present the story. For example, “I have written this story for you. It is about fireworks. Let’s read it together now.”

• The Social Story Doesn't Seem To Be Working?

  • Check the guidelines for writing and using social stories and redraft if necessary.
  • Try adding or amending visual cues.
  • Check your use of language. Is it too complex for the child?
  • Consider individualisation and motivational factors.
  • Re-assess the situation with further information gathering in order to set specific targets.
  • Write a series of social stories to break down information into smaller, more comfortable steps.
  • Consider the reactions of the person you have written the social story for.

• Example Story About Winning & Losing

  Children like playing games together. Every child wants to win and feel happy.
  
  
  

  Usually, only one child can win. This will make the other children feel a little bit sad.
  
  
  

  That might make you feel sad and angry – that’s okay because you can try and win the game next time.

• Where Else Can I Use Social Stories?

  • To support making friends
  • Interrupting conversations
  • Meeting new people
  • Sitting too close to others
  • Making mistakes
  • Getting angry
  • Tolerating queueing
  • Asking for help.