views

How do I write a social story

Why and How to Write a Social Story

The Effects of Social Stories on the Social Skills of Youth with Autism: A Review of the Literature. HEIDI L. HILLMAN (Heritage University)

Abstract: The social story, as described by Gray (1995, 1996) and Gray and Garand (1993), is a strategy to help individuals with autism understand and appropriately follow specified social protocol. Social story interventions attempt to address a possible deficit in social understanding by providing relevant social information in a story format. However, there are a limited number of investigations regarding the effectiveness of social stories as a technique to improve age-appropriate behaviors of children with autism (e.g., Lorimer et al., 2002; Norris & Dattilo, 1999; Rogers & Myles, 2001; Thiemann & Goldstein, 2001). The purpose of this review was to examine the empirical evidence supporting social stories between 1992 and 2005. As part of the review each research article was evaluated as to whether the researchers addressed social validity measures, generalization measures, and maintenance of treatment. This investigation has shown that social stories are promising however it is too early to suggest that social stories are an evidence-based approach when working with individuals with autism.

Social Stories for Children with Autism: A Research Review and Behavioral Conceptual Analysis. RYAN BERGSTROM and Jonathan J. Tarbox (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)

Abstract: The use of social stories as an attempt to bring about therapeutic change for children with autism has become a common practice despite a dearth of empirical research on their effectiveness. A social story is a “short story – defined by specific characteristics – that describes a situation, concept, or social skill, using a format that is meaningful for people with ASD” (Gray, 2000, p. 104). The rationale behind social stories is that, for children with autism, “the statements and actions of others may at times seem to occur without meaning or identifiable purpose, occurring randomly and without warning or logic” (Gray, 2000, p. v). This paper will review and critique the current literature on the effectiveness of social stories as treatment for children with autism. In addition, we will conduct a conceptual analysis of social stories in terms of rule-governed behavior, identifying potential conditions under which social stories might be expected to be effective and ineffective. We will conclude by outlining directions for future behavioral research on the effectiveness of social stories as treatment for children with autism.

Thiemann, K.S., & Goldstein, H. (2001). Social stories, written text cues, and video feedback: effects on social communication of children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 425-446.