Understanding Social Stories: A Tool for Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals

Feb 8

Social stories, also referred to as social narratives, are a powerful tool designed to offer clarity and guidance for individuals, especially those with neurodiverse conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to help navigate social situations and daily life. Developed by Carol Gray in the early 1990s, social stories have since become widely used as an effective means of providing guidance and support.

In this article, we'll explore when to use a social story, provide examples of social stories, and guide you on how to create your own, all while keeping in mind the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals.

What is a Social Story

A social story is a carefully crafted narrative designed to provide individuals, especially those with neurodiverse conditions, with a structured and predictable framework for understanding social situations.

The primary goal of social stories is to facilitate a better understanding of social expectations, reduce anxiety in unfamiliar situations, and promote positive social behaviors. Whether preparing for a new experience, learning appropriate social responses, or managing emotions, social stories serve as a valuable tool for individuals navigating the challenges of neurodiversity.

In essence, a social story is a bridge that connects individuals with neurodiverse conditions to the social world, offering a structured and supportive guide that empowers them to engage with confidence and understanding.

Key Components of a Social Story

Descriptive Sentences: Social stories often begin with descriptive sentences that set the stage for the situation or behavior being addressed. These sentences provide context and help individuals understand the relevance of the story.
Perspective and Feelings: To enhance empathy and social understanding, social stories incorporate perspectives and feelings associated with the situation. This helps individuals recognize emotions in themselves and others.
Directive Sentences: Social stories include directive sentences that offer clear, positive guidance on appropriate behaviors. These sentences provide individuals with practical strategies for navigating social interactions successfully.
Personalization: One of the strengths of social stories is their adaptability. They can be personalized to address the unique needs and preferences of each individual, making the narrative more relatable and effective.
Visual Supports: Visual aids, such as pictures, symbols, or drawings, are often integrated into social stories. These visuals provide additional support for individuals who may benefit from a more concrete representation of the information presented.

When to Use a Social Story

Social stories are particularly beneficial in various situations to help neurodiverse individuals better understand and navigate social interactions. Here are some scenarios in which social stories can be valuable:

Introducing Change: Social stories can prepare individuals for changes in routine, such as transitioning to a new school, welcoming a new caregiver, or adjusting to a different schedule.
Building Social Skills: For those with social challenges, social stories can offer guidance on appropriate behaviors, teaching them how to respond in specific social situations.
Coping with Emotions: Social stories can be used to help individuals identify and manage their emotions, providing strategies for coping with feelings of anxiety, frustration, or excitement.
Preparing for Events: Before attending an event or activity, a social story can offer a preview of what to expect, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of preparedness.

Examples of Social Stories

Getting Ready for School: A social story might outline the steps involved in preparing for school, from waking up and getting dressed to taking the bus or walking to school.
Going to the Dentist: This type of social story can demystify the dental visit, explaining the sights, sounds, and sensations associated with the dentist's office.
Sharing and Taking Turns: Social stories on sharing can help neurodiverse individuals understand the concept of sharing, why it's important, and how to take turns in social play.
Dealing with Frustration: This story could provide strategies for recognizing and managing frustration, such as taking deep breaths or seeking help from a trusted adult.
Visiting a Museum or an Event: These types of social stories help people know what to expect when going somewhere new or to a place that can be overwhelming. Many organizations create their own social stories that you can use, including this one for visiting the Bell Museum or this one from the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Social Stories in the Workplace

Social stories, originally developed to support individuals with neurodiverse conditions in navigating social situations, can also be valuable tools in the workplace environment. Here's how they can be utilized:

Understanding Workplace Expectations
Social stories can clarify workplace norms, expectations, and routines for individuals who may struggle with social cues or unspoken rules. They can outline common workplace interactions, such as greetings, teamwork, and professional conduct.
Preparing for Meetings and Presentations
For employees who experience anxiety or difficulty with public speaking, social stories can offer guidance on preparing for meetings, presentations, or interviews. They can include strategies for managing nerves, organizing thoughts, and engaging with colleagues or clients.
Navigating Office Dynamics
Social stories can address office politics, conflict resolution, and navigating relationships with coworkers. They can provide insight into office hierarchies, communication styles, and appropriate responses to different situations.
Promoting Inclusivity and Understanding
By incorporating social stories into diversity and inclusion initiatives, workplaces can promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity. They can foster a culture of empathy, respect, and support for individuals with diverse learning styles and communication preferences.
Customizing Accommodations
Employers can use social stories to tailor accommodations for neurodiverse employees. By understanding individual needs and preferences, workplaces can create personalized support plans that enhance productivity and job satisfaction.

Incorporating social stories into the workplace environment can improve communication, foster inclusivity, and support the success of neurodiverse employees. By providing clear guidance and promoting understanding, social stories contribute to a more supportive and accommodating workplace culture for all employees.

How to Create Your Own Social Story

Identify the Target Behavior or Situation.
Clearly define the behavior or situation you want to address in the social story.
Use Simple Language and Visuals.
Keep the language straightforward, using concrete and positive statements. Incorporate visuals, such as pictures or drawings, to enhance understanding.
Provide a Sequence of Events.
Outline the steps or events related to the behavior or situation, helping the individual understand what to expect.
Include Perspective and Feelings.
Address the emotions associated with the situation and offer insights into the perspectives of others involved.
Review and Reinforce
Regularly review the social story with the individual, reinforcing key concepts and providing ongoing support.

Incorporating social stories into the lives of neurodiverse individuals, caregivers, educators, businesses, and support networks can create a more inclusive and understanding environment. These personalized narratives offer a valuable tool for enhancing social skills, managing emotions, and promoting a sense of security in the face of various life challenges.

Kaitlyn Nelson