As practitioners working with children with autism, we constantly strive to improve our interventions and ensure the best possible outcomes for the children we support. Recent research published in PLoS One titled The impact of using digitally-mediated social stories on the perceived competence and attitudes of parents and practitioners supporting children with autism provides valuable insights into how digitally-mediated social stories (SS) can enhance our practice. This blog delves into the findings of this study and offers actionable steps for practitioners to leverage these insights.
Key Findings from the Study
The study aimed to investigate whether digitally-mediated SS could improve the competence and attitudes of parents and practitioners. The research involved 93 participants, including 68 practitioners and 25 parents, who were tasked with developing and delivering SS using a digital app called SOFA (Stories Online for Autism). The outcomes were promising:
- Improved Competence: Both parents and practitioners reported increased competence in developing and delivering SS after using the digital app.
- Enhanced Attitudes: Participants exhibited more positive attitudes towards SS interventions post-engagement.
- Reduction in Variability: Digitally-mediated SS reduced variability in intervention delivery, leading to more consistent and effective outcomes.
How to Implement Digitally-Mediated Social Stories in Your Practice
To harness the benefits of digitally-mediated SS, consider the following steps:
- Get Familiar with Digital Tools: Explore and familiarize yourself with digital apps designed for SS, such as the SOFA app used in the study. These tools can simplify the creation and delivery process.
- Set Clear Goals: Identify specific goals for each SS intervention. Goals can range from reducing inappropriate behaviors to improving social skills or assisting in transitions.
- Ensure Procedural Integrity: Follow the guidelines for developing SS, including comprehension checks and maintaining a balance between descriptive and coaching sentences.
- Engage Parents: Encourage parents to use digitally-mediated SS at home. Provide them with training and support to develop their competence and confidence.
- Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the effectiveness of the SS interventions and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings of this study are promising, further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of digitally-mediated SS on children with autism. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by documenting their experiences and sharing data on the effectiveness of these interventions in various settings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The impact of using digitally-mediated social stories on the perceived competence and attitudes of parents and practitioners supporting children with autism.
