What is a primary method for teaching social skills to students with autism?

The use of social stories as a primary method for teaching social skills to students with autism is highly effective because they provide visual and contextual narratives that help students understand complex social situations. Social stories break down social interactions into simple, clear steps, using language that is easily understandable for the child. This method also takes into consideration the unique perspectives and challenges that students with autism may face in social scenarios.

By illustrating social situations with relatable characters and scenarios, social stories help students visualize appropriate behaviors and responses, reinforcing social norms in a structured manner. Moreover, they can be customized to address specific events or challenges that a student may encounter, allowing for targeted social skill development. This tailored approach makes it easier for students with autism to learn and practice social skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Other methods, while useful, may not provide the same level of clarity or individualization that social stories offer. For example, role-playing can be beneficial but might not be as effective without the clear structure that social stories provide.