Social Stories™ have been proven to be effective at teaching information to people with ASD. While I can’t be sure all the social stories I have created over the years would meet Ms. Gray’s strict definition of a Social Story ™, (following the 10 steps she outlined to making a proper story) I can say from my experience, these types of supports have been helpful as part of a treatment package.
The goal of Social Stories ™ is NOT to teach a new skill but rather to provide information to an individual. Social Stories ™ can be used to share any type of information. For example: Information about future events (such as visiting the dentist; Sharing ideas with others (how to get attention from others); Reassuring information (such as why the vacuum makes so much noise): Information on new skills (how to get dressed). The uses of this teaching tool are unlimited. I have primarily used this type of tool to teach social rules such as remember to look at others when talking to them and how it is polite to say excuse me when you accidently bump into someone.
No matter what goal is selected for a learner, the story needs to be written in a manner that provides information in a safe and supportive way at the level of the individual learner.
For more information on Social Stories ™ and how to write one for your learner or child visit Ms. Gray’s website at http://www.thegraycenter.org/. Later this year, Ms. Gray will have free access to all her stories and hints for writing them at www.carolgraysocialstories.com (Note: This site is under construction at this time).
Best of Luck,
Kristen