Social Stories
In today’s world, there are many situations that can cause stress and anxiety for our children in and out of school. Whether it be a school fire drill, a new teacher, or grocery shopping with a parent, having a social story ready can help children mentally and emotionally prepare for an event that may cause stress.
A social story is a concept devised by Carol Gray in 1991 to improve the social skills of people with autism spectrum disorders. Social stories are used to educate and as a form of praise. Social stories model appropriate social interaction by describing a situation with relevant social cues, other’s perspectives, and a suggested appropriate response. You might think of a social story as a story that plays out a scenario before it happens so that expected and appropriate responses can be modeled and shown.
Social stories can be used in so many situations at school and at home. Social stories give children the opportunity to prepare for a new environment or situation before it happens. It can help them feel less anxiety and stress. Social stories can help with an environment or situation that a child is struggling with.
They can help introduce a new skill…
They can help when a change in a child’s schedule is expected…
They can help children learn expected social routines and skills…
We have included below some resources to help you find some social stories that you can use with your kids at home and at school…
