CCDDA presents Carol Gray: Reflect, Reboot, Reimagine

This Social Story workshop is useful for anyone working on behalf of children, adolescents, or adults with autism, or those diagnosed with other learning differences. Participants new to the approach will be comfortable with the pace and amount of information, and those who have previously attended a workshop or with more experience will discover new details while updating their understanding and skills.

This presentation is unique among *Social Story workshops. Two full days will be devoted to the art and science of Social Stories. There will be an increased focus on practicing skills and discussing strategies – many of which have never been published or presented – so that you can put Social Stories to work like never before!

Over the past two decades, Social Stories have earned the respect and enthusiastic affection of parents, professionals, and most importantly, people with autism. Come to update your skills and understanding of Social Stories, or to discover the ever- expanding versatility and value of this incredible instructional strategy for the very first time!

Social Stories are one of the most popular evidence-based instructional strategies for learners with autism in the world. They are also frequently misused and misunderstood. Learning how to research, develop, and implement a genuine Social Story is critical to their effectiveness, safety, and integrity. The goal is to build positive social concepts and skills in an individually tailored, unassuming, and supportive learning context.

This is an expanded Social Stories 10.2 workshop. Social Stories 10.2 is the most recent version of the criteria that define what is, and what is not, a Social Story. No previous experience with Social Stories is required.

Each participant receives an Advanced Two-Day Social Stories 10.2 Certificate at the completion of the workshop.

Learning Outcomes:

At the close of the workshop, participants will be able to…

• Outline the philosophy and research-based rationale of every Social Story;

• Explain how the Social Story goal may be used by any parent or professional to determine what is – and is not – a Social Story,

• List the Social Stories 10.2 criteria that ensure the integrity and safety of every Story;

• Define all Social Story terms;

• Describe how research and philosophy create significant ties between how a Story is researched, developed, and implemented;

• Write a Social Story;

• Conduct a Comic Strip Conversation;

• Discuss the benefits of coloring and Coloring Stories;

• Explain the rationale behind ColorStorming and implement a ColorStorming session;

• Describe the impact of accurate and inaccurate paradigms on educational programming;

• Discuss the influence of Social Stories on educational programming - including the on-the-spot judgments and interactions with students, and

• Write a Social Story to address a challenging topic.

Carol Gray, Consultant to Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Autism, provides support via workshops and presentations, information, referral, resources, and direct services to individuals with autism, their families, and professionals who work on their behalf. Carol has received many awards for her international contribution to the education and welfare of children, adolescents, and adults with autism. These include Social Thinking’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2015), Learning Spring School’s Spectrum Award (2012), the Autism Society of America’s Education Book of the Year (The New Social Story Book: Revised and Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition (2009), and the Barbara Lipinski Award (Lansing, Michigan, 2005).

Workshop details:

Registration opens at 8:15am

Workshop begins at 9:00am

Coffee/tea and other refreshments will be available. Lunch is not included, you will have ample time to visit one of the many nearby restaurants for lunch.