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Social Stories

What is a Social Story?

A Social Story is a short story that describes a situation, concept or social skill with consideration of the perspective of the person with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). It describes abstract social concepts using concrete references and images.

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Who Write Social Stories?

Anyone who works or lives with people with an ASD can write a Social Story.

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Social Story Basics

  1. Describe relevant social information in a way that will mean something to the person with ASD.
  2. The story should answer the following questions: when and where a situation occurs, who is involved, the sequence of events, and why.
  3. The story needs to fit the attention span, reading ability, and interests of the person with ASD.
  4. The story needs an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  5. The story should be written from the person's with ASD perspective.
  6. Language should be kept positive.
  7. The Social Story should be literally accurate. Avoid words like "always" and "never" and instead use words like "usually" and "sometimes".
  8. A Social Story may use visuals to help with the meaning of the words.
  9. A Social Story should use a format that reflects the interests of the person with ASD.
  10. The title should state the overall meaning of the story.
  11. The Social Story should be reassuring and patient.

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