"SOCIAL STORIES"

Lately we have had problems with our autistic son hitting his little sister.  Danes behavioral therapist has given us a sheet with a social story on it.  This is a short and simple story with simple pictures that help him to understand why he should not hit others.  The story goes like this:

Sometimes I feel mad <shows angry picture>
I do not hit people <image of no hitting>
Hitting Hurts <image of no hitting and someone crying>
___________ does not like hitting <shows person and no hitting pictures>
I do not hit friends <no hitting picture plus people image>
I say, "I am mad." <shows mad picture with person cringing>

The social story is made up of four different types of sentences.

1.  Descriptive sentences show information about specific social situations or settings. They provide what the person sees, who is involved, and what happens.

2.  Perspective sentences describe the feelings, emotions, thoughts, and/or mood of others. This is the way a situation is viewed by someone else. Children with autism have difficulties understanding how others see things.

3.  Directive sentences provide the autistic child with information about what they should try to do and be successful in that situation.

4.  Control sentences provide the autistic child with how to control their emotions.  In this case with my son.  His anger and wanting to hit his sister.

This is the 3rd social story I have gotten from the school.  When you sit and talk with your child's teachers, let them know what they can do to help you. They will gladly help with any information they can give.