Abstract
Social Stories (SS) is a widely used intervention for children on the autism spectrum. A search of databases (CINAH EBSCO, A+Eductaion, ERIC, Education Source, PsyINFO, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and ABI Inform Global) identified that, since its development over 25 years ago, the research exploring SS has been reviewed 17 times. These reviews include synthesis of literature; systematic reviews, meta-analyses; comparative reviews; and descriptive reviews. A scoping review of these 17 literature reviews identified 5 major themes: (1) research design of SS studies, (2) effectiveness of SS, (3) factors influencing outcomes of SSs, (4) social validity of SS interventions, and (5) maintenance and generalisation of SS outcomes. Future recommendations related to SS research were also identified.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by a deficit in social communication, social behaviours and restrictive and repetitive behaviours, activities, or interests (American Psychiatric Association 2013)
The “factors influencing outcomes” category consist of 2 further subthemes, which are (3.1) environmental factors and (3.2) within-child factors. These themes and subthemes are organised in hierarchical order which illustrates their relevance in relation to the research objectives of this scoping review
- Studies analysed in this review all indicate positive potential of SS - Some of the changes in targeted behaviours are modest - SSs were judged worthwhile by those involved - Evidence base is almost exclusively founded on studies using single case designs. - Other interventions are frequently employed together with
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by a deficit in social communication, social behaviours and restrictive and repetitive behaviours, activities, or interests (American Psychiatric Association 2013). Based on epidemiological studies conducted over the past 40 years, the prevalence of ASD appears to be increasing globally (WHO 2020). Recent studies indicate that ASD has an estimated prevalence rate of 1 in 54, with 4.3 of these being male for every one female diagnosed, among children aged 8 years in the USA (Maenner et al 2020). In financial terms, the cost of supporting children with ASDs is estimated to be £2.7 billion each year in the UK alone (Knapp et al 2009). The financial demands, as well as the persistent and the pervasive impact of ASD on a person’s current and future well-being, highlight the importance of providing support, and Social StoriesTM is a widely used intervention that is liked by professionals and acceptable to children on the autism spectrum and their families
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