Social stories are like GOLD in the behavior community. No, really. When created and utilized correctly, they can effectively shape student behavior over time. The also provide so much concrete support to students who thrive on explicit instruction. So let’s get the scoop on social stories. What constitutes a social story from a social script or social narrative? I’ll explain…
Language matters
The QUEEN and the creator of social stories is Dr. Carol Gray. She coined the name, and determined the 10 necessary components of a social story. According to her website,
A Social Story accurately describes a context, skill, achievement, or concept according to 10 defining criteria. These criteria guide Story research, development, and implementation to ensure an overall patient and supportive quality, and a format, “voice”, content, and learning experience that is descriptive, meaningful, and physically, socially, and emotionally safe for the child, adolescent, or adult with autism.
If we are using stories to support individuals that do not utilize all of the criteria, we can call them social scripts or social narratives, as they don’t follow the exact recipe for a social story. Dr. Gray’s work and research is important, and in order to give it and her the credit deserved, it’s important that we use our words carefully.
Proactive strategies
It’s important to remember that social stories work best as proactive supports. If you have a student that struggles to transition from a preferred task to a work time, reading them a social story during the transition is likely not going to be beneficial. The social story can be provided, reinforced, and introduced when the child is in a neutral space and at their emotional baseline.
Visual supports are key
One of the best parts of a social story are the visuals! The social scripts that I write and sell on Teachers Pay Teachers are more generic because they can be used with any child, even and mostly students I do not know. When I am using social stories/social scripts with students that I do know, I love using visuals that are meaningful. Real pictures! This helps makes the story especially concrete and real for the child.
Do you use social stories/scripts with your students, children, or clients? Share a success story in the comments!
