Sample Social Story:
Rainy Day/Indoor Recess Today we will have Recess inside because it is raining a lot. The Principal will make an announcement saying it is an Inside Recess. Everyone has to stay inside today. No one is going outside for Recess. I will eat my snack with the other kids. I can draw, look at books or play with cards. If tomorrow is a nice day, I will go outside for Recess. My teacher and Principal are happy when I stay inside for Recess. |
What are Social Stories?
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Advantages
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Case Study
Nicholas is a fifteen year old boy with Autism. He was diagnosed when he was a toddler. At elementary school, Nicholas had a Support Worker full time. She started writing Social Stories for Nicholas when he was in Grade One, once he was able to focus and listen. The Support Worker wrote many stories for Nicholas that helped him navigate his school day. She had one for the bathroom routine, Circle Time, and Break time. Later, she added one about Assemblies, Fire Drills and Indoor Recess. These Social Stories followed Nicholas til he was older. Copies were also sent home, allowing Nicholas the chance to become familiar with the expectations in each situation. With a bit of preparation and thinking ahead, the teacher and Support Worker noticed that Nicholas became cooperative and less anxious about school. Social Stories helped Nicholas be successful in the classroom and home.
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Pre-made Social Stories with illustrations are available on Pinterest, #socialstories. For more information, see https://www.pinterest.com/touchautism/social-stories/
Works Cited
Adams, L, Gouvousis, A, Vanlue M, Waldron C, (2004). Social Story Intervention: Improving Communication Skills in a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Focus on Autism and other Developmental Disabilities, 19
Thompson, R. Johnston, S. (2013). Use of Social Stories to Improve Self-Regulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 33
Ozdemir, S. (2008). The Effectiveness of Social Stories on Decreasing Disruptive Behaviors of Children with Autism: three case studies. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38
Images (top to bottom, left to right)
** All images on this page are original photos by Nain R.