Social Stories™ (Gray, 1990) are individualised, short and effective stories that teach kids new skills, prepare them for a change or transition, and/or support them to change their behaviour.
Social stories can be used for many reasons and across a variety of ages and abilities. For example, they can be used for;
- building independence in specific tasks: brushing teeth or going to the toilet
- changing/ developing specific behaviours: greeting others, sharing, and using gentle hands
- preparing for a change: hospital/ doctor visit or a new teacher
Social stories are simple to make. Here is how!
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Find a good platform to build your social story.
Ideally you want to use a program that allows you to print in booklet formatting so your social story can be folded into a book. At OTHC we use publisher and pdf. However, if your computer and printer settings don’t allow this you can create your story on Microsoft word or PowerPoint, and then print and stable pages together.
Once you have created one story you can modify it to create other stories.
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What to include
The story should include;
- Where the situation occurs
- Who is there
- How it begins and ends
- When it will happen and/or how long it will occur
- What happens and why
By including these 5 things you will ensure your social story provides a wholistic view of the situation, and provides your child the information they need. For instances where a particular outcome is not guaranteed use words like “usually” or “sometimes”.
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Tailor your story
Your social story needs to be suitable for the age and abilities of your child. For younger children use more pictures and limit the number of words on each page (you can include pictures of your child doing the activity, the exact setting, and the other people involved). It is important the story is easily read and comprehended by the child. For older children you can more interactive activities e.g. questions to think about or discuss, opportunities for drawing pictures, or cutting out and pasting images in the correct sequence of an activity.
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Language
A social story is a positive and gentle approach to help your child achieve the desired goal. Be sure to use a range of descriptive, perspective, directive and affirmative language, for example:
Descriptive: I am going to the hospital.
Perspective: Sometimes going to the hospital can make me feel upset as the doctors need to touch me with different instruments.
Coaching: I can hold my parent’s hands and take deep breathes when I feel upset at the hospital.
Affirmative: Staying relaxed at the hospital is good for me.
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Delivery
Present the social story in a calm environment, and introduce it simply e.g. “I have written this story for you; it’s about going to the hospital. Let’s read it together”. Make sure to pause throughout the story and allow your child to ask you questions. Keep the story in a safe place and don’t be afraid to re-read the story multiple times (especially before a new change or experience occurs).
Social stories are an adaptable and effective tool that can assist your child in developing their skills and cope with change. Please speak with you OT about appropriate social stories for your child, or please contact us at hello@occupationaltherapy.com.au to book an appointment.
