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WHAT ARE SOCIAL STORIES? HOW CAN THEY HELP MY CHILD?

• Developed by Carol Gray in 1990
• THE GOAL – to share information, gentle coaching or description
• “The goal of a social story is to share information using content, format, and a voice that is descriptive, meaningful, and physically, socially, and emotionally safe for the intended audience” (Gray, 2015)

This is a great exercise to use with a child who has difficulty with executive functioning and behavior issues. For example, a child with autism spectrum disorder may suffer from adapting to new situations, completing tasks, executive functioning of daily living etc., therefore, demonstrating emotional distress and frustration is often the result. Therefore, a social story is a perfect way to get help the child in a simplistic and friendly way!

This can also improve overall pragmatic language skills!

Using language for different purposes, such as

• greeting (e.g., hello, goodbye)
• informing (e.g., I’m going to get a cookie)
• demanding (e.g., Give me a cookie)
• promising (e.g., I’m going to get you a cookie)
• requesting (e.g., I would like a cookie, please)

Changing language according to the needs of a listener or situation, such as

• talking differently to a baby than to an adult
• giving background information to an unfamiliar listener
• speaking differently in a classroom than on a playground

Following rules for conversations and storytelling, such as

• taking turns in conversation
• introducing topics of conversation
• staying on topic
• rephrasing when misunderstood
• how to use verbal and nonverbal signals
• how close to stand to someone when speaking
• how to use facial expressions and eye contact

(ASHA, 2017)

Here’s what to know:

STRUCTURE and CLARITY is crucial, keep as positive as possible!

Getting Dressed:

My name is Shelly.

When I get up in the morning, I have to get dressed.

I can dress myself.

When I get dressed, it makes mom and dad happy.

First, I can put on my socks, then my pants, then my shirt, then my shoes.

When I dress myself, I feel very happy.

I can show my mom and dad I dressed myself and they will be happy too!

Dominique MIcheletti MA CF SLP

Recourses: Dr. Dorothy Leone Presentation, Iona College 2017.

Dr. Michelle Veyvoda Presentation, Iona College 2017

Roseberry-McKibbin, C., & Hegde, M. (2016). An Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology. Austin, TX: Pro-ed.

ASHA.org