The term “Social Story” was originally created and trademarked by Carol Gray. She is also actually from Michigan (just like Fun First Therapy). Social Stories are short descriptions or stories of particular situations, events, and/or activities. They include specific information about expectations, what may/will happen during the event, and/or explain the reasoning behind the situation or event. They are presented in a positive way and include what the expectations are. Instead of including what you can’t or shouldn't do, Social Stories provide what is expected and what can or should be done during a particular event or situation.
Social Stories are a way to share or teach information in a precise and concrete way. They are a wonderful tool because they can be individualized to exactly what the person needs help with understanding or learning. They can also increase structure around routines and provide guidelines for what may happen next to decrease any possible anxiety.
Social Stories may also be called social narratives, social scripts, or story-based interventions.
When would I use or create a Social Story?
Social Stories can be used to develop self-care skills or routines, such as brushing your teeth or washing your hands. They can be used to directly teach social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, or asking for help. They can be used to help someone understand how others might act and how to respond during a specific situation, such as going to a birthday party. They can also be used to help someone cope and/or understand changes in their routine or distressing events, such as fire drills or being on summer break. They can be used as a strategy to help teach emotional regulation, such as what to do when feeling angry/frustrated.
Who can use a Social Story?
Social Stories were originally created for autistic children, however, they can be used with both neurodivergent children or adults, as well as neurotypical children or adults. Parents, teachers, Special Education teachers, and therapists are just a few of the identified adults that can share, create and read Social Stories with others.
How would I write a Social Story?
There are specific guidelines for writing Social Stories created by Carol Gray - so please reference her website for specific, detailed information.
General guidelines are to:
Picture the goal
Gather information
Tailor the text
More specifically, consider the purpose or goal of the Social Story, as well as the why behind it, gather information about the situation or event that you want to describe, and use descriptive sentences. It should answer these questions: where, when, who, what, how, and why? The content should also be age and level appropriate for each person with photographs, pictures, symbols, and/or drawings paired with text.
How would I use a Social Story?
Typically Social Stories are read just before the specific event or situation occurs, however, they can be read at other times to review frequently and practice, as well. The story can be read to the person or they can read it themselves. Once the situation is understood and progress is being made, the story may even be phased out, if necessary.
Go check out some of our Social Stories/Social Narratives that can be found on Teachers Pay Teachers. We have topics such as feeding a pet, going on a plane, circle time at school, taking a road trip, and so much more!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Fun-First-Therapy/Category/Social-StoriesNarratives-646387
I hope you enjoyed this “funtastic” blog post!
-Kate Beyer, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
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