What are Social Stories?

Social stories are short, personalized narratives that help children—especially those with autism or intellectual disabilities—understand specific social situations, behaviors, or expectations. They are a powerful visual and language-based teaching tool that supports learning through clear, simple, and structured information.

Definition:

A social story is a short story that explains:

• What is happening

• Who is involved

• What the child is expected to do

• Why it is important

• And sometimes, how the child might feel

They are written in the first person ("I go to the doctor") and often include pictures to support understanding.

Purpose in ECSE-ID (Early Childhood Special Education – Intellectual Disability):

• Teach daily routines (e.g., “I wash my hands before eating”)

• Prepare for new experiences (e.g., “Going to a new school”)

• Support social skills (e.g., “Taking turns in games”)

• Help manage behavior and emotions (e.g., “What to do when I feel angry”)

• Explain abstract concepts like safety, privacy, or gender roles

Why are they effective for children with ID or Autism?

• They reduce anxiety by preparing the child for what to expect

• Present information in a predictable, non-threatening way

• Use concrete language, visuals, and repetition

• Help children generalize behavior across settings (home, school, workplace)

Structure of a Social Story (Simple Template):

1. Descriptive Sentence: Describes what is happening.
   “Sometimes I go to the market with my mother.”

2. Perspective Sentence: Describes what others may feel or do.
   “The shopkeeper likes it when I say thank you.”

3. Directive Sentence: Tells the child what to do.
   “I will try to say ‘thank you’ when I get my things.”

4. (Optional) Affirmative Sentence: Gives reassurance.
   “Saying thank you is a kind thing to do.”

Example: Social Story on Personal Space

Title: I Keep My Hands to Myself

Sometimes I want to hug my friends.
But not everyone likes hugs.
It is important to ask before I touch someone.
I can say, “Can I give you a hug?”
If they say “no,” I will not touch them.
I can smile or wave instead.
This keeps everyone safe and happy.