This practical resource provides an introduction to the theory and practice of writing social stories. In addition, there are examples of successful stories to use as guides, as well as information and photocopiable (and downloadable) resources for delivering training on the use of social stories.

Based on detailed work carried out in homes, schools and pre-schools, this book offers practical support to anyone meeting the needs of a child or young adult with an autistic spectrum disorder, and with staff supporting adults with autism. Social stories are short stories intended for children and adults with autism to help them understand their social world and behave appropriately within it.

The stories:

• provide clear, concise and accurate information about what is happening in a specific situation, outlining both why it is happening and what a typical response might be
• are written by those directly supporting children or adults with autism and only successful stories are included in the book
• are infinitely flexible and adaptable to an individual child in an individual social situation.

This 2nd edition has been thoroughly revised and updated throughout. It also now contains:

• brand new stories including examples for use by parents at home
• brand new section on mental health
• additional stories for use with adults with autism.

About the Author
Dr Caroline Smith is an independent specialist educational psychologist with extensive experience of working in the field of autism. Having formerly been a Deputy Headteacher of a primary school and a Principal Educational Psychologist working in local authority settings, Caroline has worked closely with the parents and teachers of pre-school and school-aged children attending mainstream and special schools. She has also co-authored 'Special FRIENDS' a new 2015 addition to the FRIENDS materials focusing on the needs of young people with ASD.

Reviews

"Today, social stories are considered a practical and often essential intervention for autism. This book could be of great use to schools and families as it comes with an activation cod to access online resources, plus a section on delivering training about social stories.

In the new second edition by author Dr. Caroline Smith. there are fresh stories to help young children and adults on the autism spectrum to understand their social world and behave appropriately within it. The stories, which can be used by parents at home, have been written by people who have supported children or adults with autism and only tried-and-tested successful stories are included. The stories are based on detail work carried out in homes, schools and pre-schools. It's presented in a spiral-bound format to withstand everyday use" - Autism eye magazine

"We were most impressed by the manuscript and feel it will provide an excellent resource. The academic background is sound, and the general presentation is very user friendly." - Maureen Aarons, Tessa Gittens, Specialist SLTs

"Her contribution is in the production of a clear, user-friendly book which also acts as a resource manual. It is a must for those Postage services involved in Early Bird Programmes in particular and is very much recommended for anyone who is actively involved with ASD children and in training others working with them." - Joy Horne, Portage Post

"The stories are an effective way of improving the social behaviour and social understanding of individuals with autism. The book is a useful resource and I would recommend it in particular to clinicians who are unfamiliar with the concept of social stories...clear, concise information about social stories that clinicians could use when training teaching staff, parents and carers." - Sharon Lee, Senior Speech Language Therapist, Dunshaughlin Health Care Unit, Update I.A.S.L.T

"A useful overview...plenty of practical guideline...the final chapter is very useful...this book is a very useful resource." - Child Language Teaching and Therapy

"This is an excellent, clear, useful and practical resource...I would recommend this book to individual practitioners." - Karen McKenzie, Learning Disability Practice

"This book does exactly what the title suggests and does it well...I think anyone who is involved with young people with autism will find it useful. The book is attractive with easy to read chapters...great help to those planning training sessions on social story writing. This is a practical, accessible book that I have found useful." - Margaret Raine, Secretary West London SIG for Children With Autism, Bulletin

"Rightly labelled a 'practical resource manual'...handouts and activities form a clear and comprehensive training package which will save hours of work." - Beth McDonough, Parent of a pre school child with autistic spectrum disorder, Speech & Language Therapy in Practice "Easy-to-read book...step-by-step information teaches the reader how to create a social story...contains guidelines to help develop training sessions." - Caroline Smith, Healing Magazine

"This book provides clear and sympathetic introduction to the theory and practice of writing social stories...can be varied infinitely to explain simply and directly to a child with autism what is happening in a situation...Caroline Smith has successfully used social stories for many years in her work as a senior educational psychologist ." - Olivia O'Sullivan, Assistant Director, Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, TES Extra

"Full of very clear examples...even clearer instructions...easy to read and concise manner. I would recommend this book. Well worth the money." - Glinette, NAPLIC

"...is a 'must have' for Child Development Teams and Educational Psychology Services...a number of different uses for this book...a set of useful handouts for those who are planning to deliver training in this area." - Richard Ganman, Peterborough City Council, Debate

"I particularly enjoyed the well thought-through layout of this book...chapters are clear and concise. Overall this would be a useful addition to the bookshelf of any school or therapy department where children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders attend." - Sensory Integration network UK & Ireland

Book Information
ISBN 9781909301863
Author Caroline Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 122
Imprint Speechmark Publishing Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 436g