
Social stories are a valuable tool in speech therapy, especially for children with autism or other social communication challenges. They provide a clear and simple narrative that helps individuals understand social situations, expectations, and appropriate responses.
Table of Contents
Key Components of a Social Story:
- Descriptive Sentences: Explain the situation clearly. For example, “When I go to the playground, there are other children playing.”
- Perspective Sentences: Describe others’ thoughts and feelings. For example, “The other children might feel happy when I share toys with them.”
- Directive Sentences: Guide appropriate responses. For example, “I will wait my turn to go on the swing.”
- Affirmative Sentences: Reinforce the behavior positively. For example, “Waiting my turn is a good way to make friends.”
Examples of Social Stories for Speech Therapy:
Starting a Conversation
- Title: “How to Start a Conversation”
- Story: “When I want to talk to someone, I can start by saying, ‘Hello’ or ‘Hi.’ I can ask, ‘How are you?’ or ‘What are you doing?’ I will wait and listen to their answer. This helps me make friends and feel happy.”
Taking Turns During Play
- Title: “Playing Games with Friends”
- Story: “When I play a game with my friends, we take turns. When it’s not my turn, I wait patiently. When it’s my turn, I play and have fun. Taking turns makes the game more fun for everyone.”
Using Polite Words
- Title: “Being Polite”
- Story: “When I ask for something, I say, ‘Please.’ When someone gives me something, I say, ‘Thank you.’ Being polite makes others feel good and helps me make friends.”
Going to Speech Therapy
- Title: “What Happens at Speech Therapy”
- Story: “When I go to speech therapy, I will meet with my speech therapist. We will practice talking, playing games, and learning new words. This helps me speak more clearly. It’s okay to ask questions if I don’t understand.”
Tips for Creating Effective Social Stories:
- Use Simple Language: Tailor the language to the child’s level of understanding.
- Include Visuals: Pictures or illustrations can help reinforce the concepts.
- Personalise the Story: Include the child’s name and specific details relevant to their life.
- Read Repeatedly: Repetition helps reinforce the lessons in the story.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social stories are an essential and effective resource in speech therapy, particularly for children with autism or social communication difficulties. By breaking down social situations into simple, understandable narratives, these stories teach important skills like taking turns, starting conversations, and using polite language.
When personalized and paired with visuals, social stories become even more engaging and impactful. Through consistent use, they not only improve communication but also help children feel more confident and successful in everyday interactions. Speech therapists, educators, and parents alike can use social stories to support social and emotional development in a positive and meaningful way.

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