Every Learner by UpOnly Learning
Social narratives and role-play: what is the difference?
Two common ways to teach social skills, often used together: a short story or picture sequence that describes a situation, and a chance to act it out.
What a social narrative is
Social narratives describe social situations, and they are on the autism evidence-based-practice list summarized by UNC's Frank Porter Graham Institute, with evidence from preschool through high school[1]. A narrative might show, in a few pictures and sentences, what happens when you join a game and what you can say.
A note on the name
Many people search for this kind of story under a trademarked name: Social Stories™ is a trademark originated and owned by Carol Gray[2]. We use the general term “social narratives” for our own picture routines.
What role-play is
In role-play, a child acts out the situation with an adult or a classmate, then gets friendly feedback. Social skills training, on the same evidence list, gives learners structured opportunities to practise social skills with direct guidance and corrective feedback[3].
How they fit together
The AFIRM guidance on social narratives suggests considering role-play so the learner has an opportunity to practise the target skill[1]. A simple order: read the narrative, model the skill, role-play it, and give feedback. Keep sessions short and repeat the skill across the week.
What the research does and does not say
- Social narratives and social skills training are both on the autism evidence-based-practice list[1, 3].
- One parent-information site notes that most studies of these stories are small, so more research is needed[2].
- The What Works Clearinghouse found positive effects on social-emotional development and behaviour for social skills training with preschool children with disabilities, and no discernible effects on cognition[4].
The Social Skills Kit
Role-play cards, discussion slides and picture routines in English, Spanish and Portuguese, in the store now with a free sample. The free Face Detectives feelings cards are a good first step: naming feelings.
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Available now
Social Skills Kit, K–5
$19.99
Role-play cards, discussion slides and picture routines (social narratives), in two grade bands. English, Spanish and Portuguese on every card.
See it in the store
Questions
Model the skill, practise it in a short role-play, then give friendly feedback. Autism practice guidance describes social skills training as structured opportunities to practise with direct guidance and corrective feedback[3].
They are on the autism evidence-based-practice list, with evidence from preschool through high school[1]. Most studies are small, so more research is needed[2]. The guidance suggests pairing narratives with role-play[1].
No. Ours are original social narratives: short descriptions of a social situation and what to do.
Keep reading
Written by the UpOnly Learning team. Sources checked 26 Oct 2026; page updated 27 Oct 2026.
References
- UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (AFIRM). Social Narratives Brief Packet (Sam & AFIRM Team, 2025, Updated). Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- Raising Children Network (Australia). Social Stories (therapies guide). Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (AFIRM). Social Skills Training Brief Packet (Griffin, Sam & AFIRM Team, 2025, Updated). Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse. Social Skills Training: Early Childhood Education for Children with Disabilities (Intervention Report, Feb 2013). Checked 26 Oct 2026.