Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations with Students with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism

Abstract

To improve social interaction, methods and materials must address both sides of the social equation. First, parents and professionals need help understanding the person with HFA/AS (high-functioning autism/Asperger syndrome). In addition, the person with HFA/AS needs assistance to understand the myriad of daily interactions and events. This chapter describes social stories, short stories that describe social situations, and Comic Strip Conversations, an instructional process that illustrates shared information with simple drawings, symbols, and color. These social interventions are based on a philosophy of improved social skills through improved social understanding, and a shared responsibility for social success. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). (chapter)