What is the primary goal of social narratives for students with autism?

The primary goal of social narratives for students with autism is to enhance understanding of social situations. Social narratives are individualized stories designed to provide clarity about social contexts, expectations, and appropriate responses to various social interactions. They help students with autism to visualize and comprehend social nuances that may be challenging for them, such as understanding others' emotions, knowing how to initiate conversations, or deciphering non-verbal cues.

By focusing on social understanding, these narratives can help reduce anxiety and improve social skills, enabling students to interact more effectively with their peers and navigate everyday social situations. While improving academic performance, increasing physical activity, and promoting independent living skills are also important areas to address, they are not the primary purpose of social narratives. The key takeaway is that social narratives specifically target the development of social comprehension and skills, which are essential for the social and emotional growth of students with autism.