Information is taken from the National Autistic Society – Social stories and comic strip conversations
Social stories were created by Carol Gray in 1991. They are short descriptions of a particular situation, event or activity, which include specific information about what to expect in that situation and why.
The terms ‘social story’ and ‘social stories’ are trademarks originated and owned by Carol Gray.
Social stories present information in a literal, ‘concrete’ way, which may improve a person’s understanding of a previously difficult or ambiguous situation or activity. The presentation and content can be adapted to meet different people’s needs.
They can help with sequencing (what comes next in a series of activities) and ‘executive functioning’ (planning and organising).
By providing information about what might happen in a particular situation, and some guidelines for behaviour, you can increase structure in a person’s life and thereby reduce anxiety.
Creating or using a social story can help you to understand how the autistic person perceives different situations.
Social stories can help reduce anxiety for neurodivergent individuals and therefore can help reduce meltdowns and shutdowns. You can find a range of free social stories online, or you can write your own.
