Social Story Effectiveness on Social Interaction for Students with Autism: A Review of the Literature
Education & Training in Autism & Developmental Disabilities
Karal, M. A., & Wolfe, P. S. (2018).
Education & Training in Autism & Developmental Disabilities, 53(1), 44-58.
This systematic review investigates the efficacy of social stories to improve the social interaction skills of students on the autism spectrum.
Not stated
12
Peer-reviewed, experimental studies
1993 to 2015
Results suggested that social stories containing visual components, such as photographs of the participants and the environment, appeared to be more effective than just written text or text with printed pictures. Results also indicated that the effectiveness of social stories did not differ between groups of students with autism spectrum disorder who have limited and poor reading skills.
"This review provides evidence that social story interventions can have a positive impact on the social interaction of students with [autism spectrum disorder]" (p. 56). The included studies (all single-subject design studies) demonstrated a moderate mean improvement rate difference (IRD) effect size (ES) of 0.61 for social story efficacy on social interaction. Findings indicated a moderate mean IRD (ES = 0.59) for studies investigating social stories combined with comprehension questions. Findings indicated a large mean IRD (ES = 0.74) for studies investigating social stories combined with prompting strategies.