–Triveni Goswami Vernal
(Registered Special Educator: A64010)

Individuals on the Autism spectrum often require prior information regarding situations and new places, to facilitate their interaction with the environment, better. One can do that with Visuals as well as Social Stories.

SO, WHAT ARE SOCIAL STORIES?
Social Stories™ is a “social learning tool that supports the safe and meaningful exchange of information between parents, professionals, and people with autism of all ages” (https://carolgraysocialstories.com/). It was developed by Dr. Carol Gray in 1990.
There are 10 defining criteria for Social Stories. Due to research and experience, over the years, the defining criteria have become much more detailed, but the basic criteria still remain the same. The following excerpt is taken from the website,
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Social-Stories-10.0-10.2-Comparison-Chart.pdf outlining the comparison between the different versions of the defining criteria, over time.

Here, I have shared only the 10 basic defining criteria (not the detailed revisions), and have highlighted the main features of the criteria:

“#1 The Goal. A Social Story meaningfully shares social information with a patient and reassuring quality, and at least 50% of all Social Stories applaud achievements.
#2 A Social Story has an introduction that clearly identifies the topic, a body that adds detail, and a conclusion that reinforces and summarizes the information.
#3 A Social Story answers ‘wh’ questions.
#4 A Social Story is written from a first- or third-person perspective.
#5 A Social Story uses positive language.
#6 A Social Story always contains descriptive sentences, with an option to include any one or more of the five remaining sentence types (perspective, cooperative, directive, affirmative, and/or control sentences).
#7 A Social Story describes more than directs, following the Social Story formula.

#8 A Social Story has a format that is tailored to the abilities and interests of its audience, and is usually literally accurate. (Considerations include Story length; organization and sentence structure; repetition, rhythm, and rhyme; modifications in vocabulary and literal accuracy including careful selection of verbs and alternative vocabulary; and possible use of metaphors or analogies if they are understood by the audience.)
#9 A Social Story may contain individually tailored illustrations that enhance the meaning of the text.
#10 A Social Story title meets all applicable Social Story criteria.”

A Social Story can be used for multiple social interactions, tailored and customized to meet the specific needs of the individual. A Social Story can help the individual anticipate how he or she should behave in a particular setting or what is expected of them, in familiar/ unfamiliar surroundings or with familiar/ unfamiliar people. This can bring down levels of anxiety to a large extent.

For example, a Social Story can be written for Travel on an aeroplane/ train/car. It can be written for a visit to a mall /park; a visit to a doctor; sitting in a classroom /therapy setting; visit to a social event (marriage/birthday party); for various leisure activities (going out for a movie in a cinema hall) etc. The possibilities are immense.
In my next blog, I will share some examples of Social Stories.

RESOURCES:
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/social-stories/what-is-it/
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/social-stories-for-autistic-children/#:~:text=A%20social%20story%20is%20a,to%20communicate%20with%20others%20appropriately.
https://autismlittlelearners.com/social-stories-for-school/

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Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 13 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

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Artwork “Sunset Skies”, Artist- Kabir Vernal
Acrylic Painting on Sketch Paper