As a practitioner dedicated to creating optimal outcomes for children with autism, it is essential to stay informed about the latest research and technological advancements. One such advancement is the use of digital Social Stories, a method proven to be effective in supporting autistic children. The research article titled Effective digital support for autism: digital social stories provides a comprehensive analysis of how digital platforms like the SOFA app can enhance the effectiveness of Social Stories. Here, we will explore key findings from this study and discuss how you can implement these insights to improve your practice.
Key Findings from the Research
The study gathered data from 856 participants using the SOFA app, which supports the development and delivery of Social Stories. The data focused on three main variables:
- Closeness-to-goal ratings
- Story comprehension
- Story enjoyability
The findings revealed several important trends:
- Social Stories were most effective for younger, verbal autistic children.
- Older children showed higher comprehension scores.
- Autistic children rated the stories as more enjoyable compared to non-autistic children.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
These insights offer valuable guidance for practitioners aiming to optimize their use of Social Stories:
- Target Younger, Verbal Children: Focus on creating Social Stories for younger, verbal children as they show the highest closeness-to-goal ratings.
- Enhance Comprehension: Pay special attention to the age-appropriate complexity of stories to ensure older children can benefit from higher comprehension scores.
- Consider Enjoyability: Ensure the stories are engaging and enjoyable, particularly for autistic children, to maintain their interest and participation.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings are promising, they also highlight the need for further research to understand the full potential of digital Social Stories. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in ongoing research and data collection to contribute to this growing field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Effective digital support for autism: digital social stories.
