Social stories

Social Stories are individualized, narrative-based tools developed to help individuals with autism better understand and navigate social situations. Originally introduced by Carol Gray, these short, personalized stories describe a specific social scenario, explain the perspectives of the people involved, and outline appropriate responses or behaviors in a clear, concrete manner. By presenting social information in a structured and predictable format, Social Stories aim to reduce anxiety, improve social understanding, and guide individuals in adapting their behavior during everyday interactions. They are typically tailored to the developmental level and needs of the individual, making them a flexible tool that can be used across a range of settings, including at home, in school, or in community environments.

While many parents and practitioners report positive outcomes with Social Stories—such as increased social engagement and improved comprehension of social cues—the empirical evidence supporting their effectiveness is mixed. Some studies have demonstrated improvements in social communication and behavior when Social Stories are used as part of a broader intervention program, whereas other research suggests that gains may be modest and highly individualized. Because Social Stories are low-cost, non-invasive, and easy to implement, they are often recommended as a complementary strategy rather than a standalone treatment. Parents are encouraged to work with speech and language therapists or behavioral specialists to create and adapt Social Stories that best meet their child’s unique needs, and to integrate them with other evidence-based practices for a more comprehensive approach to supporting social development.