Using Photo Social Stories Cards to Teach Social Skills
By The Autism Community Store | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to effectively use Photo Social Stories Cards to teach social skills to children with autism. This step-by-step guide covers practical strategies and common pitfalls.
Quick Answer
Photo Social Stories Cards are a practical visual tool for teaching social skills to children with autism, especially those who need help understanding how to react appropriately in various situations.
Why Photo Social Stories Cards Work for Autism
Children with autism often struggle with abstract social concepts and benefit from concrete, visual examples. Photo Social Stories Cards use real photographs and simple stories to break down social situations into understandable steps.
Each card includes interactive questions that encourage the child to think about and practice the scenario, making the learning process active rather than passive.
How to Use Photo Social Stories Cards: 5 Steps
- Choose a Relevant Card: Select a card that matches a current social challenge your child is facing, such as taking turns or greeting others. Start with one card per session. Common mistake: Choosing a card that is too advanced or unrelated to the child's immediate needs.
- Read the Story Together: Sit with the child and read the story aloud, pointing to the photographs as you go. Use a calm, neutral tone and allow the child to ask questions. Checkpoint: Ensure the child is engaged and not distracted. If they lose focus, take a break.
- Discuss the Interactive Questions: After reading, go through the interactive questions on the card. Encourage the child to explain what they would do in the scenario. Validate their answers and gently correct misunderstandings. Common mistake: Rushing through the questions or giving the correct answer too quickly.
- Practice the Skill in Real Life: Create a safe opportunity for the child to practice the social skill in a similar real-life situation. For example, if the card covers 'asking for help,' role-play the scenario together. Checkpoint: Praise any attempt, even if imperfect. Focus on effort over perfection.
- Review and Reinforce: Revisit the same card in subsequent days to reinforce learning. Use the card as a quick reference before the child encounters a similar situation again. Common mistake: Moving on to a new card too soon without ensuring the skill is generalized.
Product Facts
- Photo Social Stories Cards: The stories and photographs on each card are designed to teach a variety of social skills, including listening skills, following directions, interacting with others, and more. This means you can target multiple social goals with one set, saving time and providing consistent visual support across different situations.
Photo Social Stories Cards
