Social Stories

One of the most valuable tools that can be used to prepare for community settings is social stories developed by Carol Gray. These stories are effective in helping the individual with autism build expectations.

The autistic person uses a script to help him anticipate the events that are about to occur. This is a valuable way to ease stress in these 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 many autistic individuals: 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. This information is often taken for granted but it is so valuable for an individual with autism.

Many choose to use social stories with higher functioning autistic cases. However, some therapists believe that they can benefit almost all children with autism. The child may not respond to the story but he may receptively process some of the valuable information.