Exploring the effects of computer-based social stories on the social understanding of persons with autism spectrum disorders: Τhree case studies

Abstract

It is well documented that individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have substantial social problems in school and home settings (Howlin, 1998). Even persons with Asperger syndrome (AS) who express an interest in having social interactions lack essential skills for reciprocity and effective communication (Attwood, 1998). These social difficulties have been explained in terms of a cognitive impairment in attributing mental states to others (Baron-Cohen, Leslie & Frith, 1985; Frith, 2003). A recent intervention aiming to teach appropriate social behaviors through teaching social understanding rather than social skills to persons with ASDs is Social Stories (SSs) introduced by Carol Gray (1994, 2000a, 2000b). Social Stories contain information necessary for revealing the hidden social code, so that persons with ASDs are able to "read" social situations and adopt a social perspective (Gray, 1994; Howley & Arnold, 2005; Konstantareas, 2006).