Using My Words to Ask For What I Want Social Story 3.2

This application features a comprehensive 13-page social story designed to promote the use of verbal requests to communicate needs and desires. Additionally, it provides a straightforward visual support tool dedicated to manding, or requesting specific objects or activities.

The social story emphasizes the importance of verbal communication for expressing needs effectively, while the visual support offers a simple means for non-verbal individuals to request nine different items or activities.

The app’s main menu allows users to either read the social story or access nine interactive buttons that generate speech when tapped, each asking for different items or activities.

Requests, or "mands," are generally among the most accessible forms of speech for children to learn because they directly lead to a tangible reinforcement. However, individuals with communication delays, such as those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, may require targeted instruction to effectively use their words for requesting what they need or want.

Social stories serve as valuable visual supports commonly employed with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, or other developmental conditions. Incorporating visual supports like social stories can facilitate teaching conversational skills, making the learning process less stressful and more effective. This particular social story utilizes straightforward language and descriptive imagery to clearly illustrate why and how to use words for requesting.

Originally defined by Carol Gray in 1991, social stories are widely used educational tools that break down complex social situations or tasks into small, manageable steps often accompanied by visual cues. They are simple to implement and are utilized by many professionals across various behavioral and skill development programs.