What are social stories and how are they used in autism interventions?

Social stories are personalized narratives tailored to help individuals, particularly those with autism, understand and navigate social situations more effectively. They are designed to describe various social scenarios, detailing what occurs in these situations and what appropriate responses might be. By presenting information in a structured and relatable format, social stories provide clear guidance that can help individuals anticipate social cues, understand the perspectives of others, and learn acceptable behaviors in different contexts.

This approach allows individuals with autism to visualize interactions and rehearse social skills in a supportive manner. The stories can be customized to reflect a person's unique experiences and challenges, making them relevant and relatable. The use of social stories not only aids in comprehension but also builds confidence in social interactions by providing a reference that individuals can return to when faced with similar situations.

In contrast, the other approaches do not serve the same purpose. Games engage peers but do not inherently teach social understanding. Written rules outline expected behaviors in a more general sense without the personal context that social stories provide. Standardized tests are focused on assessment rather than intervention, lacking the narrative element that makes social stories effective tools for teaching social skills.