Writing Your Own Social Stories

While there a several books on the market which provide social stories for common everyday activities, such as brushing teeth or waiting in line, the best source for social stories is you.  You know what situations your child will need to be prepared for.   In addition to the basic guidelines given in the previous LifeTip entitled "Social Stories", here are few other pointers on perfecting and using social stories:

• Use pictures--Even if your child can read, their mind will always respond better to pictures.  While PECS are ideal for their simplicity and are easily recognizable, sometimes it is impossible to find a picture that is most appropriate.  The internet is a great means of finding photos, drawings and clip art to help convey your story.  Photos, are another great option.  For instance, If you are writing a story about going to your local grocery store, then use photo of the outside of the actual store.


• Timing--When you read the social story to your child is very important.  When the situation is already occurring, i.e. when you are at the store, is probably too late.  Before you leave the house is best.  Give your child time to soak in the details, rather than waiting until they are already in the situation and experiencing the stress. However, it is a good idea to bring the story with you for them to look at as a visual reminder.


• Cataloging--Creating a catalog or booklet of all your social stories will help you for future situations.  If you write them on the computer, you'll be glad you saved them.  Not just for yourself, but for other friends who are caring for children with autism.  If you have them printed or written out, it is worth the cost to have them laminated or placed in sheet protectors and stored in a 3-ring binder.  Often times, the children enjoy having their own book of stories to look at when they are playing.  The pictures help to build memories of activites and events they have done with you.

Medicaid Waiver Programs for Individuals with Autism

Let's face it, no matter which course of treatment you choose to take for helping your loved one with autism, it's going to cost you.  While health insurance may cover services such as occupational and speech therapy, other expenses such as  ABA, respite care, and other expenses incurred are expensive.  One means of finding extra funding is the the Home and Community-Based Services Waivers (HCBS Waivers Section 1915 (c)).  

With medicaid waivers, an individual is allowed more diverse services and supports by "waiving" the need toget those same services in an institution. Medicaid is waived for provisions in order to allow long-term care services to be delivered in community settings. This program is the Medicaid alternative to providing comprehensive long-term services in institutional settings.  Individuals who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder qualify for this program. 

This program is controlled at the state level. The waiting lists tend to be several years long, so it is best to place your child on this list as soon as you have a diagnosis.  To learn more, check out the website for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (part of the Department of Health and Human Services). The web address is http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidStWaivProgDemoPGI/05_HCBSWaivers-Section1915(c).asp .

States may offer a variety of services to consumers under an HCBS waiver program.  These programs may provide a combination of both medical services (i.e. dental services, skilled nursing services) as well as non-medical services (i.e.respite care, case management, environmental modifications). Family members and friends may be providers of waiver services if they meet the specified provider  alifications. Check out the state medicaid agency list at http://64.82.65.67/medicaid/states.html to find contact information for the waiver programs available in your state.  Persons with an autism spectrum disorder are typically placed on similar waiver program waiting lists as individuals with mental retardation or developmental delays.

The Arc and Autism

The Arc is a national community-based organization which provides services and support for families of and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those dealing with autism spectrum disorders.  There are local chapters which range in size from small, volunteer supported groups to large multi-million dollar organizations.  The web address is www.thearc.org.   There, you can locate your local Arc chapter.  In many chapters, there are advocates can walk you through the process of placing your child on appropriate waiting lists to receive funding for services such as respite care and therapies.  Chapters in larger cities will be able to provide more services including daycare for adults with special needs and after-school and summer programs for children and youth. 

Social Stories

One of the most valuable tools that can be used to prepare for stressful or unfamiliar situations is social stories developed by Carol Gray. These stories are effective in helping the individual with autism learn about what to expect in a situation--not just what will happen, but what is expected of them, too. The person with autism uses a script to help him anticipate the events that are about to occur. This is a valuable way to ease stress in unfamiliar surroundings. The social stories are also useful in helping the individual with autism understand what others around him might be thinking and feeling. The social stories serve as a guide that helps the individual with autism rehearse what to say and what actions to take in the community setting. The focus of the stories is on the various "Wh" questions that are so baffling to individuals on the autism spectrum: who, what, where, and when. The stories detail where and when the community outing will take place. They describe who will be there and what activities will occur, and what behaviors are appropriate.  Stories can be adapted to suit everyone's needs, regardless of where a person may fall on the spectrum.