Understanding Social Stories: A Tool for Teaching Social Skills
Today on the blog we have Ms Athena, one of our occupational therapists, talking about the importance of social stories!
Social stories are a powerful tool designed to help children, particularly those with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), develop social skills, manage transitions, and navigate new experiences. These personalized short, first-person stories provide structure and understanding, helping children anticipate situations and respond appropriately.
What are Social Stories?
Social stories were created to teach children how to handle social situations, reduce anxiety, and develop routines. These stories describe real-life scenarios in a way that is easy to understand and process. Each story is tailored to the child's specific needs and includes four types of sentences:
Descriptive Sentences – Explain what happens, who is involved, and why.
Directive Sentences – Provide clear, positive instructions (e.g., “I can raise my hand to ask a question”).
Perspective Sentences – Describe feelings and reactions of the child or others.
Affirmative Sentences – Reinforce positive behaviors and expectations.
These stories are best written in the first person, with pictures of the child and their environment for greater relatability.
When and How to use Social Stories
Social stories are beneficial for preparing children for new or challenging experiences, such as:
Moving to a new state
Graduating from therapy
Visiting the dentist
The best approach is to read the story daily before the anticipated event. Over time, as the child becomes more comfortable, the story can be gradually faded out.
Key Considerations
While social stories are widely used and can be highly effective, research on their benefits for children with sensory integration difficulties remains limited. However, for many children, social stories provide a sense of security and predictability in unfamiliar situations. By incorporating social stories into a child’s routine, caregivers and educators can empower them to develop independence, confidence, and essential social skills.
Thank you Ms Athena! As always, if you have further questions on how you can implement at home or with your own child, please reach out. We’re here to help!
