Autism at Magill School
As we come to the end of a school year, children’s anxiety increases around the changes that are about to happen. One way we can help to relieve their anxiety is to make social stories. Social stories help children understand new situations that are happening in their lives. The idea of social stories was created in the USA by Carol Gray. Social stories support students with Autism to understand changes in their routine and how to adapt their behaviours to new experiences. Social stories can be a way to help all children prepare themselves for a new and/or challenging experience.
Social stories are valuable because they:
- Make a new situation more predictable
- Make familiar a routine your child hasn’t encountered yet
- Provide information in clear steps, so that they know what to expect and how to act, which supports them in trying new things
- Can help develop skills by explicitly showing and explaining the tasks or actions involved
- Reduce their anxiety by outlining a clear, set routine
Social stories are usually quite short and are made individually for each child using text and pictures that are about them and their experiences. The story is written from the child’s point of view and where possible, it is best to write the story with your child.
Think about your story
- Choose a title that lets you know what the story is about.
- Think about the structure. The story needs an introduction, a main body and a conclusion.
- Use sentences that describe who, where, when, what, how and why something happens.
- Choose ideas that are easy for your child to understand.
- Focus on the positive
Write your story
If we would like a Social Story for ourselves or someone we love, then we can and should take the opportunity to make it - as ANYBODY and EVERYBODY can be the author of a social story!
https://nellharris.com/musings/social-stories-what-why-and-how-to-make-them
Enjoy the break, relax and spend time quality with loved ones!
With Kindness,
Lisa Williams
KidsHelpline: 1800 551 800
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
