Evaluation of the efficacy of Social Stories™ using three single subject metrics

Social Stories™ are a popular intervention used with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other disabilities. Most of the research conducted to date has involved small n designs. Previous meta-analyses of this research have involved relatively small numbers of studies and issues such as selection bias and failure to evaluate methodological quality and have confounded the findings. The present article addresses the limitations of the previous meta-analyses and evaluates 62 studies using three small n metrics, focussing on whether Social Stories were effective with individuals with ASD or other disabilities. It was also determined whether efficacy varied systematically across study or participant characteristics. Consistent with previous reviews, while there was considerable variation, on average Social Stories appear to have only a small clinical effect on behaviour. Implications for the selection of interventions strategies by practitioners are discussed.

Research highlights▶ Social Stories are a popular intervention used with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. ▶ A meta-analysis of 62 studies was conducted to determine the efficacy of the intervention. ▶ Overall, Social Stories appear to have only a small clinical effect on behaviour.