Social Stories are an internationally respected, evidence-based practice that has been effectively employed by parents, professionals, family members, and friends (referred to as Authors) in their work on behalf of people with autism or social communication differences. Though the ‘heart’ of Social Stories has stood the test of time since their introduction in 1991, they have kept pace with research and experience – resulting in this new, dynamic workshop that makes it very clear that today’s Social Stories are “…Not Your Mother’s Social Stories.” Social Stories have grown up. Today’s Stories are more sophisticated, tackling topics with an informed awareness of context and concepts. In this 2018 training led by Carol Gray, the founder of Social Stories, participants will learn how to research, develop, and implement Social Stories for all age and ability levels with an emphasis on writing for adolescents and adults. At the close of the workshop, participants will receive a Social Stories 10.2 Certificate of Completion personally signed by Carol Gray.
Social Stories™* (Junior Articles for tweens and Social Articles for adolescents and adults) have helped individuals with autism of all ages meaningfully understand and respond effectively to daily interactions and events. The earliest roots of Social Stories extend to efforts to help secondary students with autism succeed in vocational experiences in the community; giving Social Stories a sound philosophy and timeless practical value. Despite Social Stories’ popularity and high regard, parents and professionals often do not use them to their full advantage, or forego the opportunity to systematically employ them throughout an individual’s lifespan. This training includes the most current information on Social Stories, an explanation of why they are often so immediately effective, as well as new ideas to gather information to identify the most specific and relevant topics, to empower participants to take full advantage of their potential for the people in their care.
Using lecture, discussion, case examples, and activities, this workshop describes the latest Social Stories 10.2 criteria as well as never-published ‘tricks of the trade’ strategies. It also includes information on how to write Stories about previously unaddressed concepts (context, categorization, organization, patience, sexuality, resilience, perseverance, as a few examples) while building self-esteem and supporting generalization at the same time. Authors will gain an updated understanding of what a Social Story is (and what it is not) and will leave equipped with the updated skills they need to make Social Stories work harder and longer for each person with autism from first steps through adulthood.