What are social narratives primarily used for?

Social narratives are primarily utilized as a tool for teaching appropriate social behaviors through relatable examples and scenarios. They are designed to present clear, structured descriptions of social situations, along with expected behaviors and the perspectives of others involved in those situations. By using narratives that are specific and tailored to an individual's experiences, these tools help individuals understand social norms, improve communication skills, and enhance social understanding.

The effectiveness of social narratives lies in their ability to simplify complex social interactions into digestible formats that individuals, especially those with autism or other developmental differences, can comprehend and learn from. They often include visuals and clear language that delineate what behaviors are expected in various social contexts, thereby making social learning more accessible and relatable.

In contrast, other options such as enforcing compliance, training in academic skills, or assessing social capabilities do not capture the primary intent behind social narratives, which is centered on teaching and promoting social understanding rather than merely enforcing rules or conducting assessments.