AI Insight
This meta-analysis of 21 single-case experimental studies involving 61 individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder found that Social Story interventions produce moderate overall positive effects (Tau-U = 0.743). The interventions were most effective for school-aged children (7-12 years) and showed significant improvements in social skills, safety skills, and reducing problem behaviors, though not for classroom adaptive skills. The effectiveness was not significantly influenced by who delivered the intervention (therapist, teacher, parent, or researcher), the format used (digital versus paper), or participant gender.
Why it matters
These findings provide evidence that Social Story interventions are a flexible, effective tool for supporting children with ASD across multiple skill domains and can be successfully implemented by various caregivers and professionals. The versatility of implementation increases accessibility and practical application in schools, homes, and clinical settings.
Understand the Science
PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the overall effectiveness of Social Story interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to examine the moderating effects of key participant and intervention characteristics.MethodA meta-analysis of 21 single-case experimental design studies, encompassing data from 61 participants with ASD, was conducted. The overall effect size and moderator analyses were calculated using the Tau-U index.ResultThe aggregated analysis revealed a moderate overall effect (Tau-U = 0.743). Moderator analyses indicated that the intervention was most effective for school-aged children (7–12 years). Significant positive effects were found for improving social skills, safety skills, and reducing problem behaviors, but not for classroom adaptive skills. While digital formats yielded a slightly higher effect size than paper-based versions, this difference was not statistically significant. The intervention effect was not significantly moderated by the implementer’s identity (therapist, teacher, parent, or researcher) or participant gender.ConclusionSocial Story interventions are an efficacious approach with moderate overall effects for individuals with ASD, particularly school-aged children and for specific skill domains. The findings support the flexibility of implementation across various agents. Future research should expand sample diversity, investigate the integration of emerging technologies, and focus on enhancing the long-term maintenance and generalization of outcomes.