What does a social narrative help students with autism understand?

A social narrative is a tool specifically designed to assist students with autism in understanding social situations and the appropriate responses to those situations. These narratives are personalized stories that explain various social concepts, interactions, and expected behaviors in contexts that students may find challenging or confusing. By breaking down social scenarios into clear, manageable parts, social narratives enable students to visualize and comprehend complex social cues, improve their social comprehension, and prepare for real-life interactions.

The narratives typically include details such as the environment, the people involved, the expected behavior, and potential reactions. This structured approach helps reduce anxiety and increase engagement in social activities, making it an effective strategy used in special education to foster social skills among students with autism.