The use of Social Story DVDs to reduce anxiety levels: a case study of a child with autism and learning disabilities

Abstract

The study outlined here was an attempt to examine the use of Social Story DVDs as a single‐intervention approach in addressing the issue of anxiety around turn taking in a child with dual diagnosis of autism and learning disability. The child selected was in a school for children with additional needs. The child was taught in a daily session focusing on the Social Story DVD materials around ‘turn taking’ and accompanying ‘turn‐taking’ activities. Immediate peers were also included in the ‘turn‐taking’ sessions and the child would incorporate these skills with his peers in the classroom setting. The results showed that only through combining strategies and combining interventions can the diverse range of individual needs of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and learning disability be met. Using a sole intervention to address specific social deficits misses the complexity of ASD and each individual's uniqueness.