Social StoriesTM: does the research evidence support the popularity?

The use of Social StoriesTM appears to be popular among educational psychologists (EPs) and other children’s services professionals as an intervention for enhancing the social functioning of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This article explores and evaluates the research evidence upon which this apparent popularity is based. Several areas of significant weakness in the body of literature are identified which, it is suggested, need to be addressed through further research before EPs can recommend Social StoriesTM as a stand alone intervention strategy in the confidence that it represents evidence-based practice.