Museums can be overwhelming for anyone, but for individuals with autism, the experience can be especially challenging. Social stories are a useful tool for preparing autistic visitors for their visit to the museum, helping them navigate the exhibits and understand the rules and expectations. Here are ten tips for writing museum exhibit social stories.
- Know your audience: Understanding your audience is essential when creating social stories. Consider the needs and preferences of autistic individuals when writing your stories.
- Keep it simple: Use simple language and avoid complex vocabulary or idiomatic expressions.
- Use pictures: Incorporate pictures or diagrams to illustrate key points and make the story more engaging.
- Be specific: Provide specific details about the exhibit, including what visitors will see and what they should expect.
- Use positive language: Focus on the positive aspects of the exhibit, highlighting its unique features and benefits.
- Address potential challenges: Identify any potential challenges that visitors may face and provide strategies for overcoming them.
- Keep it short: Keep the social story brief and to the point, focusing on the most critical information.
- Use repetition: Repeat key points throughout the story to reinforce the message and aid in retention.
- Partner with museum staff: Collaborate with museum staff to ensure that your social stories accurately reflect the exhibit and its rules and expectations.
- Partner with us: Partner with InfiniTeach to create social stories for your museum that are effective and inclusive.
Create social stories that help autistic visitors feel more comfortable and confident when visiting your museum. Social stories are an effective way to communicate important information and ensure that all visitors feel welcome and included.
