Using Parents and Siblings during a Social Story Intervention for Two Children Diagnosed with PDD-NOS

Abstract

Very few experimental studies have examined the use of Social Stories to modify the social skills of children with autism spectrum disorders. The behaviors targeted for the present study include a problem social skill (i.e., excessive directions) and a prosocial skill (i.e., compliments). The study used both a multiple-baseline-design-across-behaviors and a multiple-baseline-design-across-participants with two children diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. The main dependent variables were frequencies of directions and compliments. Results demonstrated that Social Stories were effective at modifying these social skills, and child and parent evaluations of the intervention were positive.

Appendices

Appendix A. Operational Definitions

Directions (for Mark)

A statement to change his brother’s current behavior or near future behavior. This includes either encouraging his brother to do something or to not do something. Polite directions are still considered directions. The following are examples of directions:

• a) Single words: “stop”, “don’t”, or “wait”

• b) Repeated directions: “Look it! Look it! Look it!” counts as three directions.

• c) Sentences: “Please stop doing that.” or “Park the car over there.”

• d) Compound sentences: “Put that car there and that truck here” counts as two directions.

• e) A question that is meant to control: “Did you do that like I told you to?”

The following are not directions:

• a) Asking for his brother’s preference or providing a choice.

• b) Statements that are meant to influence his brother’s mental state: “Don’t worry.”

Compliments (for Mark)

A statement intended to praise or encourage his brother’s statements. This could include one word compliments, such as “cool” or “awesome.” It could also include longer phrases such as “excellent idea,” “good thinking” Or “that’s awesome.” It does not count as a compliment if he merely assents to his brother’s idea. For example, if his brother puts forth an idea and Mark says, “okay” or “alright,” those are not compliments.

Compliments (for Logan)

A statement intended to praise or encourage his brother. The compliment may refer to an action his brother took (e.g. “good move”), or it may refer in general to his brother (e.g. “you’re good at this game”). This could include one word such as “good” or “nice” if it is clear that such a word is referring to his brother’s actions. This could also include a phrase or sentence such as: “good move,” “good job,” “nice turn,” “not bad” or “nice try.”

Appendix B: Mark’s Social Stories and Comprehension Questions

Giving just a few directions makes playing fun

I like to play with my brother Pete. Sometimes we play with cars and trucks. We have fun moving the cars on the mat. Sometimes we play with other toys too. It is fun to talk while we play. Talking to each other is a good thing to do. Sometimes I tell my brother what he should do. Telling Pete what to do is called “Giving him directions”. Other people do not like being told what to do all the time. If I give too many directions, other people may not have as much fun playing with me. One way to have more fun is to give less directions. If I try to give just a few directions, other people will like playing with me more. Instead of giving directions, there are other things I can say.

• a) I could say, “This is fun.”

• b) I could ask Pete, “What should we do now?”

• c) I could make my cars pretend to talk to each other.

I will try to give just a few directions, so that playing with Pete will be a lot of fun.

• 1. What does it mean to give Pete directions? (e.g., telling him what to do)

• 2. What is an example of giving him a direction? (e.g., “Be lighter on the cars.”)

• 3. What are some other things you can say instead of giving directions? (e.g., “This is fun.”)

Listening to Others’ Ideas

My brother Pete is fun to be around. Pete is smart and creative. He thinks of great ideas. Pete makes me laugh when he makes up funny things. I am smart and creative too. I like to make up creative stories about my cars. I talk about where the cars are going, how long the trip will take, and what they will do on the trip. Sometimes Pete and I agree on things when we play with cars. Other times Pete and I have different ideas about what to do. When Pete has his own ideas about what to do, it is important to try to go along with his ideas sometimes. If my brother says, “I have an idea!,” I will try not to say, “No, let’s do it my way.” Instead, here are some things I could say to Pete:

• a) Excellent idea!

• b) That’s awesome!

• c) Good thinking!

Pete will feel happy when I tell him his ideas are good. Listening to others’ ideas is very respectful and polite. Pete will have a lot of fun playing with me when I try to let him decide what we should do next.

• 1. What does it mean to listen to Pete’s ideas? (e.g., trying to go along with his ideas.)

• 2. What are some things you can say when Pete says his ideas?(e.g., “Excellent idea!”)

• 3. How do you think Pete will feel when you tell him his ideas are good? (e.g., important)

Appendix C: Logan’s Social Story and Comprehension Questions

Being a “Good Sport”

Being a “good sport” means: playing by the rules, winning nicely, and losing with a good attitude. Learning to be a good sport is an important part of growing up. Being a good sport is also important when dueling with Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. Playing by the rules is usually easier than winning nicely or losing with a good attitude. Winning nicely means that if you are winning, you compliment your opponent for trying his best. If you are winning the game, you might say to your opponent:

• a) Good try.

• b) You’ll do better next turn.

• c) You almost had me that time.

Losing with a good attitude means that you compliment your opponent even if you are losing. If you are losing the game, you might say to your opponent:

• a) Good move!

• b) Nice turn!

• c) Excellent play!

A good sport will compliment his opponent during the game and after the game too.

When you are a good sport, you will make other people feel good about themselves and they will like playing games with you a lot.

• 1. What does it mean to be a “good sport”? (e.g., winning and losing with a good attitude)

• 2. If you are winning the game, what are some compliments you could say to your opponent to make him feel better? (e.g., “You can still make a come-back.”)

• 3. If your opponent is winning the game, what are some compliments you could say to him so that he knows that you can lose with a good attitude? (e.g., “You’re on fire!”)