What is the role of social stories in special education?

The role of social stories in special education is to help children understand social situations. Social stories are specifically designed to explain social norms, expectations, and appropriate behaviors in various contexts. These narratives are particularly effective for students with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental challenges because they use clear language and visuals to facilitate comprehension.

Social stories provide students with a framework for interpreting social cues, understanding the perspectives of others, and responding appropriately in social interactions. By promoting social understanding, these stories serve as valuable tools for developing communication skills and navigating everyday social scenarios, ultimately fostering greater social integration and confidence among students with special needs.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary purpose of social stories. Describing academic subjects in detail or focusing on academic performance evaluations is not the intent of social stories, which are specifically geared toward social comprehension rather than academic content. Additionally, while engaging, social stories are not primarily intended for entertainment; their main function is to educate and support students in understanding their social world.