Social Stories and Task Analysis | Autism Tools

Lesson Plan

Family Resource

Grades: PreK-K, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, Grown-Ups and Educators

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About

Social stories are a great and simple way to talk through a specific event, activity, social situation, managing expectations and more with your child with Autism. These stories can be as short or as long as you would like them to be. Social Stories are usually personalized and illustrated, so that the child can have a better understanding. Anyone can create a Social Story!

Another way to break things down and help your child with Autism understand a specific event, activity, social situation, managing expectations is task analysis. Task analysis is the process of breaking down a complex skill into smaller, more manageable steps. This includes identifying the step-by-step behaviors or actions to master a desired skill. Like creating and using a Social
Story, there are steps and framework when using Task Analysis.

Credits: Highland Elementary: Jamie Wellman and Hannah Joziwak

Standards

PA Academic Standards (Pre‑K–12

📘 PRE‑K STANDARDS (PA Early Learning Standards)

Approaches to Learning

AL.1.PK – Show curiosity and initiative when learning new routines.
AL.2.PK – Use persistence to complete multi‑step tasks.
AL.3.PK – Demonstrate flexibility and problem‑solving.

Language & Literacy

1.1.PK.A–D – Engage in conversations and follow multi‑step directions.
1.5.PK.A–D – Participate in discussions about routines and expectations.

Social & Emotional Development

SE.1.PK – Identify personal needs and preferences.
SE.2.PK – Follow rules and routines with increasing independence.
SE.3.PK – Build relationships and communicate needs.

Cognitive Thinking

CD.1.PK – Understand sequencing and cause‑and‑effect.
CD.2.PK – Use classification and organization skills.

Reading Informational Text (K–12)

CC.1.2.K–12.A – Determine main ideas and key details in written steps or routines.
CC.1.2.K–12.B – Ask and answer questions to clarify procedures.
CC.1.2.K–12.C–E – Understand text structure (sequence, steps, transitions).

Writing (K–12)

CC.1.4.K–12.A–C – Write to convey ideas and information clearly.
CC.1.4.K–12.M–N – Write narratives about real experiences (social stories).
CC.1.4.K–12.S–T – Use conventions to write clear step‑by‑step instructions.

Speaking & Listening (K–12)

CC.1.5.K–12.A–D – Participate in collaborative conversations about routines.
CC.1.5.K–12.E – Present information clearly (explaining steps).
CC.1.5.K–12.F – Use visual displays to support explanations (task charts).

📐 K–12 STANDARDS (PA Core Math)

Algebraic Concepts (K–12)

CC.2.2.K–12.A – Understand patterns, sequences, and relationships.
CC.2.2.3–12.A.4 – Analyze patterns and use logical reasoning.

Measurement & Data (K–12)

CC.2.4.K–12.A – Organize, classify, and interpret information (steps, tasks, routines).

Mathematical Reasoning (K–12)

CC.2.1.K–12.A – Use problem‑solving strategies to complete multi‑step tasks.

🧠 HEALTH, SAFETY & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (Pre‑K–12)

10.1–10.3 Health & Safety

10.1.K–12.A–C – Understand personal health and safety routines.
10.2.K–12.A–E – Demonstrate decision‑making and interpersonal communication.
10.3.K–12.A–C – Practice safe and responsible behaviors.

Social Skills & Behavior

5.2.K–12.A–D – Demonstrate respect, cooperation, and responsible group behavior.
5.3.K–12.C – Understand rules, roles, and responsibilities in communities.