Comments on: Social Stories Research

by: Gordon

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:24:29 +0000

Hi Dr Chris,

I also agree that it is so important to make the stories motivating for kids to want to model and read over and over - that’s why we created “LiveAStory.com”.

This website allows parents and professionals to personalize these stories (pre-written by a licensed psychologist). They can upload pictures, add their child’s name, family members and interests — then they can either download a printable pdf, or have a beautiful paper or hard bound book shipped to them.

What works best is when the child engages in the story design process. They not only should make story suggestions, but this is a perfect opportunity for the child to model the desired behaviors.

Please have a look and let me know what you think. We’re eager to know how to improve.

Thanks,
Gordon

by: Carol Gray

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:01:18 +0000

Hi Dr. Chris: I enjoyed seeing your article. I wondered, though, what you are referring to when you use the term ’social stories’. I have clearly defined the term, underscoring that the 10 defining criteria are central to the emotional and social safety of the approach, and critical to our ability to learn from - and compare - research efforts. If we do not use the same criteria to determine what is, and is not, a Social StoryTM, how can we possibly measure their efficacy or add detail to our knowledge? In all Social StoryTM workshops, I stress that to know if someone ‘knows what a Social StoryTM is’ watch for a few clues: The capitalization of the word Social StoryTM followed by the TM symbol. It is the only way we can protect the quality of the approach, and define genuine Social Stories apart from the variety of interpretations of them in the field of ASD. The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding is the official “home” of Social StoriesTM and an excellent place to start learning about the approach. Thanks, Dr. Chris, for your work and website. All the best - Carol Gray

by: stephanie

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 03:21:36 +0000

Hello there, I am a 3rd year occupational therapy student in Philadelphia, who is working on an assignment about the use of social stories as an OT intervention. I am seeking the brief response from any practicioners who have previously, or currently use social stories as a means for intvention with children. Please email me if this applies to you with your perspective, opinions, and experiences on this topic anytime between now and Wednesday evening, thank you!

by: Andrew Houvouras

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 17:29:38 +0000

We are in the midst of some social skills work, replicating a prior JABA study on social stories and social skills. Dr. Chris’ recommendations are spot on! The social stories are good in providing: 1) a rule for what skill is expected and 2) a structured way to begin teaching the skill. Without feedback, prompting, and modeling, though, one would be hard pressed to say it’s the social story alone that results in behavior change.

Loved Dr. Chris’ point about motivation. In our work, the student is highly motivated by recess so we do our social skills work about 20 minutes prior to recess. We’ll probably present this work at the Florida Assoc for Beh Analysis Conference this fall. We’ve very much enjoyed using the social stories but see them as part of the treatment package rather than the treatment itself.