Scripted stories are simple stories that are designed to help children understand and prepare for different social situations. They can be personalized to the child's specific needs and can include pictures or symbols to help tell the story. By providing clear information about what to expect from a social situation, it can help a child feel more confident when it happens. For example, here is a scripted story about joining an afterschool club for a child who tends to have a hard time when there are a lot of people they don’t know.
“I am joining an afterschool club. Kids from different classes join because they are interested in the topic. I may know some of the kids, or none of the kids. I can introduce myself to the kids I don’t know. The club leader will help us get to know each other with activities called ‘icebreakers.’ Icebreakers are designed to get kids to do fun activities that also help them learn one another’s names, likes, and interests. If I feel uncomfortable or need a break, it's okay to ask for a break. It will take time to get to know the kids in my club.”