What are social stories in the context of ABA?

Social stories, within the context of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), are narratives specifically designed to explain social situations and expected behaviors in a clear and concise manner. These stories are typically tailored to an individual’s needs, providing them with context about the social setting they may encounter and outlining appropriate responses or behaviors that can lead to successful interactions.

By using a structured narrative, social stories help individuals, particularly those with autism or communication difficulties, understand social cues, norms, and expectations. They often present scenarios that the individual may find challenging, and offer practical guidance on how to navigate those situations effectively.

Other options do not align with the purpose of social stories in ABA. Personal anecdotes may provide insight into someone's experiences but do not serve the instructional role of social stories. Fictional stories focusing solely on characters do not necessarily relate to teaching social interaction or real-life scenarios. Additionally, books used to teach reading skills, while valuable in a different context, do not pertain to the social and behavioral education objectives of social stories.