Social stories

Context

Social stories is a technique parents/teachers/carers may use with autistic individuals in order to exchange information and establish mutual understanding. They gather information on an appropriate topic (development of a skill, interaction in a store, introduction of a concept,...) and explain it through adapted text and illustrations. These may be used to explain social situations and help prepare for future interactions in public spaces.

Description

The story is researched, developed and implemented by the parent/carer/…, which can be created in any preferred format (digital, book, cards,...). The autistic individual has access to descriptive and meaningful story, getting a sense of clarity and predictability for future social situations.

Engagement with more-than-human entities

Social stories may be used to introduce a day out in nature, share information about animals, plants, or any other natural/more-than-human element.

Interpretation as “retracing”

Offering context and visuals before interviews or any other forms of research interaction may help reduce anxiety of participants and lead to more effective data collection.

Case study

Within the ReWorlding project, when interviews with autism organisations were done, the researcher heard from some of the participants that it would be helpful to share questions and general planning of the conversation, in advance. 

Though the researcher did not use visuals, they attempted to develop a step-by-step guide of the interview that could be shared with those requesting it. This included the goal of the interview, the length and structure of the call, the pre-planned questions (and whether it was important to stick to them for predictability, or not),...

In further workshops or interviews, the researcher intends to develop this further and create social stories (as well as visual guides) that provide stronger guidance for the activities. These will be less text-heavy and more focused on visuals and direct information.

- From AsIAm St Patricks Day Visual Guide

- from ASD Ireland’s Social Story Vaccination Centre

- from ASD Ireland’s Talking to the Garda during covid-19 (adult)

References

Gray, C. (n.d.). Social Stories™. Retrieved from https://carolgraysocialstories.com/social-stories/