Social stories are an effective tool for helping individuals understand and navigate social situations. Here are specific examples of social stories that can be used to reinforce social skills:
1. Attending a University Lecture
Title: Attending a University Lecture
Story:
Introduction: "I am a student at university, and attending lectures is part of my learning experience."
What to Expect: "When I enter the lecture hall, I will find a seat. It is okay to sit alone or next to someone."
Behaviour: "I will listen quietly to the professor and take notes. If I have a question, I can raise my hand and wait to be called on."
Conclusion: "After the lecture, I can approach the professor if I need clarification or join my classmates for a discussion. It's important to stay calm and polite."
2. Joining a Conversation at a Social Event
Title: Joining a Conversation at a Social Event
Story:
Introduction: "Social events are a good opportunity to meet new people and make friends."
What to Expect: "When I arrive at the event, I might see groups of people talking."
Behaviour: "If I want to join a conversation, I can listen for a few moments to understand the topic. Then, I can say, 'Hi, can I join in?' and wait for a response."
Conclusion: "It is okay if they are not ready to include me. I can look for another group or start a conversation with someone who is alone."
3. Ordering Food at a Café
Title: Ordering Food at a Café
Story:
Introduction: "Going to a café can be enjoyable. I can order food and drinks that I like."
What to Expect: "When I enter the café, I will see a menu. I can decide what I want to order."
Behaviour: "When it is my turn, I will go to the counter and say, 'Hello, I would like to order a coffee and a sandwich, please.' I will listen to the cashier and follow their instructions, such as paying and waiting for my order."
Conclusion: "After I get my food, I can find a place to sit and enjoy my meal. If I need something else, I can politely ask a staff member."
4. Attending a Job Interview
Title: Attending a Job Interview
Story:
Introduction: "A job interview is a chance to show an employer why I would be a good fit for the job."
What to Expect: "I will dress neatly and arrive on time for the interview."
Behaviour: "During the interview, I will shake hands with the interviewer, make eye contact, and answer their questions clearly. It is okay to take a moment to think before I respond."
Conclusion: "At the end of the interview, I can thank the interviewer for their time and ask any questions I have about the job. It is important to remain calm and confident."
5. Making a Phone Call to Schedule an Appointment
Title: Making a Phone Call to Schedule an Appointment
Story:
Introduction: "Sometimes, I need to make phone calls to schedule appointments, like a doctor’s visit."
What to Expect: "I will find a quiet place to make the call. I might need to wait on hold for a few minutes."
Behaviour: "When someone answers, I will say, 'Hello, my name is [Name]. I would like to schedule an appointment, please.' I will provide the necessary details and write down the appointment time."
Conclusion: "After the call, I will feel good about completing this task. I can set a reminder for the appointment date and time."
6. Participating in a Group Project
Title: Participating in a Group Project
Story:
Introduction: "Working on a group project at university can help me learn and share ideas with others."
What to Expect: "My group will meet to discuss the project. We will share ideas and assign tasks."
Behaviour: "I will listen to my group members and share my ideas politely. If I disagree, I will explain my thoughts calmly and listen to their viewpoints."
Conclusion: "By working together, we can complete the project successfully. It is important to be cooperative and respectful."
Each social story should be personalised with details relevant to your experiences and preferences. Reviewing these stories regularly helps reinforce appropriate behaviours and increase confidence in navigating various social situations.
Real-World Practice
Community Outings:
Example: Organise outings to real-world settings like a café, library, or university social event. Practice ordering food, asking for help, or starting a conversation (in some instances, with the therapist providing support and feedback).
One-on-One Activities:
Example: Encourage participation in one-on-one activities aligned with your interests, such as a hobby club, volunteer work, or a mentoring program.
Non-Verbal Communication:
Example: Use mirrors and video recordings to practice and review body language, facial expressions, and eye contact.
Conversational Scripts:
Example: Develop scripts for common situations, like ordering food at a restaurant or greeting a workmate or acquaintance. Practice these scripts until they feel natural.
Managing Anxiety:
Example: Identify triggers of social anxiety and develop coping strategies such as deep breathing exercises or positive self-talk before entering a social situation.
Self-Regulation:
Example: Teach techniques like the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding exercise to manage sensory overload - identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
So, let’s try tying all that together with one last example:
Title: Attending a Party
Story:
Introduction
"I have been invited to a party. This is a great opportunity to socialize and have fun."
What to Expect
"When I arrive at the party, there might be a lot of people, loud music, and various activities happening. It might be a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s okay to take my time to get comfortable."
Before the Party
"I will decide what to wear. Choosing something comfortable will help me feel more at ease."
"I can think of a few topics to talk about, such as recent movies, music, or hobbies, to help start conversations."
Arriving at the Party
"When I arrive, I can greet the host by saying, 'Hi, thanks for inviting me.' A smile and a handshake or wave are polite ways to greet people."
"If I don’t know many people, I can start by talking to someone I recognize or asking the host to introduce me to others."
Behaviour
"It’s okay to take breaks if I feel overwhelmed. I can find a quiet spot to relax for a few minutes."
"I will try to join a conversation by listening first and then adding something related to what others are talking about. For example, if they are talking about a movie, I can say, 'I saw that movie too. My favourite part was…'"
Managing Anxiety
"If I start to feel anxious, I can practice deep breathing exercises: inhale slowly for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale slowly for four seconds."
"I can also use positive self-talk, reminding myself, 'I can handle this,' or 'It’s okay to take a break.'"
Participating in Activities
"There might be games, dancing, or other activities. I can choose to join in if I feel comfortable. If not, it’s okay to watch and enjoy."
"If someone invites me to dance or play a game, I can say, 'Sure, I’d love to,' or 'Maybe later, thank you.'"
Leaving the Party
"When I’m ready to leave, I will find the host and thank them for the invitation. I can say, 'Thank you for having me. I had a great time.'"
"If I need to leave early, it’s polite to let the host know. I can say, 'I have to go now, but thank you for inviting me.'"
Conclusion
"Attending a party can be a fun experience. It’s okay to feel a bit nervous, but I can use my strategies to manage my anxiety and enjoy myself. Remember, it’s about having a good time and being social at my own pace."
Review and Practice
"Before the party, I can review this story and practice some of the scenarios with my therapist, a friend, or a family member. This will help me feel more prepared and confident."
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