Social stories are as they sound; sequence based sentences that help string together social expectations. This can be done through textuals, visuals, or a combination of both! They are proven to be effective across multiple settings and are multi-purpose and adaptable. One of the most important skills to shape is independence, and social stories provide paired teaching moments that help shape comprehension.
Social stories can be simple or more complex in focus. They can range anywhere from teaching an individual how to wear a mask and why, to illustrating self-calming techniques when angry, to independent understanding of safety (road, cooking, strangers etc.). Social stories can be beneficial in a variety of domains; self-care (toileting, washing hands, germs, getting dressed), social skill development (sharing, asking for help and communicating appropriate responses) and academics.
This type of resource provides a guide to understanding situations in which an individual has not been exposed to, or has difficulty comprehending. They can facilitate reflective learning; teaching how someone else might behave in a similar situation. Instead of focusing on ‘what not to do’, they highlight appropriate approaches to complex situations through a sequence of images and written text.
Social stories offer a glimpse into an unfamiliar situation and shape this through a tailored approach for each individual!