Information Exchange Techniques: Social Stories in ABA 

Communication is a fundamental skill that shapes how we understand and interact with the world around us. For individuals with autism, who may face challenges in social interaction and communication, effective information exchange techniques are essential for enhancing their understanding and participation. 

One powerful tool within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the use of Social Stories, which serve as a bridge to connect individuals with autism to the social world and help them navigate its intricacies.

Understanding Social Stories: 

Social Stories are short narratives designed to provide individuals with autism clear explanations of social situations, behaviors, and expectations. Developed by Carol Gray in the 1990s, Social Stories use simple language and visual aids to break down complex social concepts into manageable and understandable components. 

These stories help individuals with autism grasp social cues, routines, and appropriate responses, fostering better social understanding and interaction.

Key Elements of Social Stories: 

Effective Social Stories share several key elements: 

  1. Descriptive Sentences: Social Stories describe the situation or behavior in a factual and neutral manner. They provide context and details without judgment.
  2. Perspective and Feelings: The story may include information about the feelings of others in the situation, helping the individual understand different perspectives and emotions.
  3. Directive Sentences: Social Stories often include directives or statements about appropriate responses or behaviors in the given situation. These directives guide the individual’s actions and choices.
  4. Visual Supports: Visual aids, such as images or pictures, enhance the understanding of the story’s content, making it more accessible for individuals with autism.
  5. Individualization: Social Stories can be tailored to each individual’s unique preferences, strengths, and challenges. Personalizing the story enhances its relevance and impact.

Benefits of Social Stories in ABA: Social Stories offer a range of benefits within the context of ABA therapy:

  1. Social Understanding: Social Stories break down abstract social concepts into concrete and relatable terms, helping individuals with autism understand social situations more clearly.
  2. Predictability: By explaining routines and expectations, Social Stories provide predictability, reducing anxiety and promoting more confident participation.
  3. Behavioral Guidance: The directive sentences in Social Stories guide individuals toward appropriate behaviors and responses, supporting positive interactions.
  4. Reduced Challenging Behaviors: Improved understanding of social expectations can lead to a decrease in challenging behaviors resulting from confusion or frustration.
  5. Empowerment: Social Stories empower individuals with autism by giving them tools to navigate social situations independently.

Creating Effective Social Stories: 

Creating effective Social Stories requires a thorough understanding of the individual’s needs and strengths. ABA professionals and caregivers collaborate to identify relevant situations and craft stories that resonate with the individual. Visual aids, personalized language, and consistent reinforcement help ensure the story’s effectiveness.

In Conclusion: 

Social Stories in ABA are powerful tools for facilitating social understanding, communication, and behavior in individuals with autism. By breaking down complex social scenarios into digestible narratives, these stories foster connection and engagement in the social world. 

Whether used in therapy sessions, school settings, or at home, Social Stories contribute to building essential social skills and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism.

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Dr. Mike Henderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

Regional Operations Director

North Carolina

Mike Henderson, PhD, LBA, BCBA-D, is the Regional Operations Director at Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. With over two decades of experience in behavior analysis and organizational leadership, he focuses on mentoring teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence in client care. Mike believes strong leadership and supportive systems are essential for helping clients, families, and providers succeed together.

Felicia Freeman

Clinic Manager

I am Felicia Freeman, the Clinic Manager for Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. I have been in ABA for several years now and am passionate about the community that we serve. I started out as an RBT, decided to go the administrative route, and worked my way up to managing clinics. I choose this field every day because I enjoy making a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients and building strong teams that change lives.

Amanda Dean, MA, BCBA, LBA

Johnston County, NC

Amanda graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018 with her Masters in Psychology. She proceeded to complete her graduate certificate in ABA and became a BCBA in November 2020. Amanda has a passion for behavior reduction, tolerance training and functional communication training. She enjoys spending as much time as she can with her 3 children and husband. When she’s not working, Amanda is very involved in her local Pop Warner Cheerleading program where she is the Assistant Cheer Director and a head coach.

Becky Fronheiser

Operations Director

Arizona

Becky has worked in behavioral health for 7 years. She joined Cardinal in the spring of 2024.  Becky is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of people and looks forward to supporting families with their specific ABA needs.  In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, 6 kids and 4 grandkids and loves to travel and relax on the beach.

Matthew Wilkinson

Operations Director

Cary, NC

Matthew holds a bachelors degree from the University of Utah, Medical Degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and an MBA from Western Governors University. He has worked in the pediatric field for the majority of his professional life and has a passion for helping bring the best care to children in need. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and day trips to the coast.

 

Trisha Iannotta Bieszczad, PsyD., BCBA

Triad, NC

Trisha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive expertise since 2016 in applying behavior analytic principles to improve the lives of children and adolescents. Her professional journey began with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, emphasizing child and adolescent development. This foundation has equipped her with a deep understanding of psychological theories and practices, which she seamlessly integrates into her work as a BCBA. Outside of her professional endeavors, Trisha enjoys reading, spending time outdoors with her family & trying out new restaurants. Trisha’s dedication to both her career and personal interests reflects her commitment to continual growth and enrichment, both professionally and personally. Her multifaceted background allows her to approach each aspect of her life with a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for learning and exploration.

Tina Lee

Director of Finance

Tina Lee is the Finance Director for Cardinal with a variety of experience in the Healthcare Industry for over 13 years. She is compassionate and always eager to assist where she can. In the ever-changing Healthcare environment, Tina has played a vital role in putting processes in place to obtain high efficiency outcomes to help our clients get the care they need. Tina enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with her family.

William Evans

Director of Outreach and Recruitment

William is a UNCW Graduate who started his professional career working in Marketing and Recruiting for a local technology company before looking for an opportunity to take those skills and help others. In his spare time he plays hockey, including annually for the North Carolina Autism Hockey Tournament, which is dedicated to the raising money and awareness for organizations helping local families with children diagnosed with autism.

Alice Okamoto, MA, BCBA, LBA

Chief of Staff

Alice has been with Cardinal for over 4 years and has worn many hats along the way!  Alice has a passion for working with clients and families as a unit, supervising behavior analyst trainees, and collaborating on strategic initiatives to ensure clinical efficiencies.  Alice‘s professional experience began with ABA in a school setting, and has worked in schools, homes, and clinics throughout the years while enjoying collaboration with related providers.  In her free time, Alice enjoys traveling, exploring parks with her dog, Oliver, and trying new restaurants. 

Darrin Miller

CEO

Darrin has dedicated his education and career to the field of behavioral health. As a licensed therapist and master’s in clinical counseling he works to create solutions that improve the lives of those impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder at a local, state, and national level. He strives to create a culture of caring and empathy while innovating solutions for improving families’ access to quality care as quickly as possible.