Kids with a social communication disorder should understand what a social story is,
why they should talk about their social stories, and how the stories can help them
socially function more appropriately. Take time and explain it to them. Provide a
short step by step example of a social story for the kids relating to a social
challenge they could face considering their age. For example, if a kid takes
another kids toy.
When the kiddos finish telling their social story either by way of writing or drawing
it, the parents, therapists, or teachers should review each phase of the story (beginning,
middle, end) with them. As the social story in being reviewed, questions should be asked.
It is important to ask problem solving questions too and discuss what went well and what
did not go well. Below are just a few questions to consider:
- Who were the characters in your story?
- Where did your story take place?
- What happened first in the story? Second?, Third?, etc. . .
- What went well and what did not go well in your story?
- How did the character/s act?
- Which character did you like best in the story? Why?
- How did you feel about the situation?
- What made you happy/angry? Why?
- Did you make a good choice?
- How did you react in the story? Was that a good choice? Why? Why Not?
- Could you have acted in a different way? How?
- How did the other characters in your story react to the situation?
- Did you show kindness toward your friend? How? Why not?
- What could happen to change the story’s ending to a positive/negative outcome?
- How can you act differently next time for a positive outcome?
For the best results with kids, treat each situation and kid individually giving special
attention to their unique needs. Remember, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you
react to it that matters” – Epictetus
Wishing You the Best,
Frankie