–Triveni Goswami Vernal
(Registered Special Educator A64010)

The previous blog had provided an overview of what a Social Story™ is, its components and the significant role it plays, in decreasing anxiety for an individual on the Autism spectrum.   This blog will shed light on how we can write a social story on various topics.

The first step in creating a Social Story™, is to identify a challenging situation, where the individual may require help to navigate the various nuances of expected behaviour and social relationships, embedded in the situation.

The second step involves working on the language to be used in creating the narrative—it can be first person or third person, it also includes positive language and it answers the “wh” questions of why, when, what and where, related to the challenging situation.

The third step involves the use of descriptive (use details to create a visual image for the reader) and directive sentences (provides an instruction, suggestion or a command to the reader) in the narrative.  It is suggested that descriptive sentences are used more than directive sentences.

For example, if we need to create a Social Story™ for travel on an aeroplane, we can write a social story, that describes the scenario within the airport and the expected behaviour of the individual in the airport terminal and on the aeroplane. The Social Story™ can be illustrated with images.

1. On xyz date, Kevin and Mama will be travelling from Hyderabad to Mumbai by flight. 

Source: https://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/printable-calendar.html

2. At the airport, Kevin will have to wait in the queue to check-in his luggage.

Source: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/queue-airport-people-waiting-registration_30701106.htm

3. Kevin can listen to music on his headphones and wait patiently with Mama to check in the luggage.

Source: https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/happy-man-listening-music-headphones-vector-illustration_40266482.htm

4. After check in, Mama and Kevin will have to wait some more, to board the aeroplane.

Source:  https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/people-airport-waiting-boarding_10422935.htm


5. After boarding the aeroplane, mama and Kevin will take their respective seats.

6. Once seated, Kevin and mama, will have to wear their seatbelts at all times.

7. When Kevin feels hungry/thirsty, he can ask Mama by signing, speaking or pointing at images in a communication board/device (depending on how the child communicates) for food and water/juice.

                   


8. If Kevin wants to go to the Toilet, he can indicate by signing, speaking or pointing at the image of a Toilet in a communication Board/device.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPklQyhM0QQ

9. On the plane, Kevin can listen to music, read books, play with toys, do activity sheets etc (whatever the child can do/chooses to do/..provide the options to him).

10. Kevin will listen to mama and try to be patient during the flight.

11. Once the plane, lands, Kevin and Mama will have to stand in a queue to get down from the plane.
    

Source: https://www.gettyimages.in/photos/disembarking-plane

12. At the airport, Kevin and Mama will have to wait in the queue to collect their luggage.

Source: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/people-airport-template_9509676.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=0&uuid=ed15df97-21f7-4faf-b2bd-5d338b068664
This is just an example of how a Social Story™ can be written, with illustrations. One can customize the social story™ with images of the individual, and of things from his or her personal life. The possibilities are endless!

SHARING SOME RESOURCES OF SOCIAL STORIES™ AVAILABLE ONLINE:

https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/social-stories-for-autistic-children/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/social-stories-for-kids-with-autism-4176139
https://autismbehaviorservices.com/social-stories/
https://autismlittlelearners.com/social-stories-for-school/
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/social-stories
https://www.andnextcomesl.com/p/printable-social-stories.html
https://www.socialworkerstoolbox.com/the-big-book-of-social-stories-stories-for-everyday-life/

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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 “Wildflowers” Artist Kabir Vernal
Acrylic painting on canvas
16 x20 inches