Power of Stories
Stories have an amazing effect on people. When radio was still fresh and new, the most popular programs told stories, like “The Adventures of Sam Spade” and “Amos & Andy.” The radio show that was probably the most famous, or infamous, was Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds.” It was so convincing that some people actually believed Martians were trying to invade the planet.
Social Stories and Other Stories
Like all good stories, Social Stories are entertaining. Also like other good stories, Social Stories have some sort of point or moral to teach. And like all good stories, Social Stories have an intended Audience, although anyone and everyone can enjoy them.
The Audience
Social Stories are stories written specifically for children who are autistic. They are just as effective for other children who find difficulty grasping social cues and norms. They are also written to facilitate communication between 
But Social Stories are written mainly for the benefit of autistic children and children with similar social struggles. Knowing who the specific audience is makes it easier to find out what the purpose of a Social Story is.
Defined As
The purpose of a Social Story is to take a concept that might be difficult for an autistic child to grasp and make it accessible using a story. To be exact: “A Social Story accurately describes a context, skill, achievement, or concept according to ten defining criteria.”
An Example Of
For example, some autistic children and children with similar challenges might not have a clear grasp on personal space. Someone, namely an Author, would then write a story about the importance of personal space, how to respect your and other people’s personal space, etc.
An Author is someone who writes Social Stories. An Author doesn’t have to try and just hope that the story they write is an authentic Social Story. As stated above there are ten essential guidelines that comprise a true Social Story. The ten points are as follows:
A Proper Social Story
A Social Story has a specific format to follow so that it achieves its purpose while being safe for the Audience.
Authors gain a new understanding on the topic and also how it affects the Audience through the Story.
A Social Story has a Title with an introduction, A Body, and a Conclusion.
It is adapted or formatted to work as perfectly as possible with the Audience.
Social Stories have a patient Voice that teaches and is always grammatically accurate.
Exactly like any good story, A Social Story answers the questions, “Who,” “What,” When,” “Where,” Why,” and “How.”
Social Stories have good descriptive sentences.
It describes more than it directs.
A Social Story must go through at least a draft and a review before being published.
Stay current on Social Story updates so that the ones written are as accurate and effective as possible.
Social Story use at Home
Social Stories should have clear and engaging illustrations to help hold a child’s interest. Simple and repetitive 
language is also good to use. Social Stories do a great job of repeating the topic over and over again. What a parent can do to make the Story even more effective is to read it as often as possible.