Why Social Stories Are Important For Autistic People

And have far-reaching benefits for everyone else

Today I went to the airport for a preview of our upcoming trip.

I haven’t flown in over 18 years and many things have changed. I’ve never flown with my kids. I wanted to be sure I knew what to expect.

No one in my family knows I’m autistic. I didn’t know, either, until recently. But they helped me prepare for this trip ahead of time. My parents are extra supportive when it comes to me trying new things. They have no idea how important this is to me.

I’m overwhelmed by unfamiliar or unpredictable situations. Some people can go check things out when the time comes. I need to get a feel for the place first and a sense of what I’ll be doing. I’ve done this with my autistic students before they try something new. I used to read them social stories, which told them what to expect when they’ll do a new activity or go to a new event.

Here’s an example of a social story:

On Saturday, I’ll be traveling with my two children from Albuquerque Sunport to Santa Barbara, CA. We will drive there around 1 pm, 2 hours before our flight. When we arrive, I’ll drive over to long term parking, which is across the street on the left. We’ll go by shuttle to the American Airlines terminal.

I’d continue by describing what gate we need and what the TSA will do, what they allow, etc. I’d include any possible changes that might arise. I actively participate instead of writing the story. I verbalize what I’ll be doing, then experience all I can before the actual event. My students needed to read the story first.

It’s ideal for me to preview a place beforehand for a few reasons.

As an empath, I sense the energies and feelings of others. I’m also a kinesthetic and visual learner. I felt the energy of the airport and the travelers. I saw where we’d go and walked the exact path we’d take on Saturday.

Before I found the parking and shuttle service across the street, I got lost trying to find visitor parking. If I had to look on the day of travel, I would be so flustered. I was already confused today. Can you imagine how stressful it would be to try then? I thought it might get tricky, so I tested it out first.

I accept and expect this from myself. I appreciate how I can accommodate my needs with a few simple preparations. I feel more comfortable trying new things when I can catch a glimpse of what’s to come.

My verbal communication skills are above average. That makes it easier for me to navigate new situations. I asked questions at the terminal and chatted with folks along the way. Some of my students couldn’t talk or didn’t feel comfortable talking. It helped to have written information available to them. When possible, they could choose to write their own social stories.

Trying new things is valuable, but some of us need to prepare ourselves first. Social stores are an excellent resource. Even if you aren’t autistic, mental preparation for an unfamiliar event helps alleviate any potential anxiety. Sometimes it’s ok to do a test run.

Neurotypical folks can benefit from social stories or any derivative for a few reasons.

1. Lower stress levels

Creating a social story on paper or in our minds can help us adjust when plans change. Knowing what to expect can alleviate any stress that comes from unexpected twists and turns. If we have to switch flights, for example, I’ll be more equipped for the change. When we step into the unknown, it’s helpful to have back-up tools in our back pockets.

The main idea is to allow for emotional stability during a potentially stressful time. Some of you might think you don’t need it, but I believe it always helps to have support in case you do.

2. Ease transitions

If we know what transitions to expect, we can move through them with little effort. There’s no sense making things harder by trying to figure it out as you go.

Visualizing what could happen is especially important when going into unknown territory. Then the transitions won’t be an unwelcome surprise. You’ll expect the unexpected. Everything will go much smoother this way.

3. Help productivity and focus

When we’re abreast of what’s about to happen, we accomplish tasks with efficiency. The airport requires us to follow a few steps, including passing through TSA checkpoints.

The last time my daughter went on a flight with my parents, I had no idea we couldn’t bring full water bottles. They require us to empty them before going to the gate. Now I know not to bring it with me. It’s one more thing out of the way. Social stories cover all the details of what we need to know so we can get things done fast and easy.

Social stories benefit everyone.

Having a preview of what’s to come can help people navigate the unexpected when attending new events. Some of us are especially prone to anxiety and stress when we embark on new adventures.

Describing or observing a new situation helps build confidence. We’re more likely to stay calm when faced with challenges.

I first learned about social stories from work in a special ed classroom. I later discovered they benefit anyone exploring new territory.

With practice, we’ll likely be brave enough to try new things more often. Cultivating spontaneity is pretty awesome.

For more stories about being different than the average bear, check these out:

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