How Shared Stories Studio Works
Understanding comes before behavior.
Before we expect regulation, communication, or participation, learners need a way to make sense of what’s happening — in their bodies, their environments, and their relationships.
A Developmental, Relationship-Based Approach
SSS is grounded in a developmental and relationship-based framework informed by DIR/Floortime.
- regulation before explanation
- relationship before performance
- individual differences before one-size-fits-all
- support connection before correction
- shared understanding before independence
Stories are not used to make learners perform readiness. They create a space where understanding can develop — with support.
How This Shows Up in SSS Resources
SSS resources are designed to be experienced, not assigned.
Read Together
Stories are explored with learners, not handed to them as independent tasks.
Flexible Participation
Participation may look like listening, moving, pointing, drawing, or not responding.
Body Signals as Information
Signals are treated as communication — not problems to fix.
Adults Support Regulation
Adults provide safety, pacing, and support while understanding develops.
No Performance Requirement
Learners are not required to explain, reflect, or choose strategies before they are ready.
Communication Takes Many Forms
Understanding and participation are not dependent on speech. SSS resources make space for AAC and other forms of communication.
Foundations That Support This Approach
SSS integrates several established frameworks. These are not used separately — they work together to support a consistent approach.
DIR/Floortime
Centers development, individual differences, and relationships.
SSS stories support engagement, regulation, communication, and meaning-making through safe shared interaction.
Social Stories™
Provides a structure for descriptive, non-directive storytelling.
SSS stories describe experiences without assigning behavior, helping learners understand what is happening rather than what they should do
Universal Design for Learning
Ensures accessibility and flexibility.
SSS stories allow multiple ways to engage, respond, and participate — without requiring a single correct way.
Co-Creation
Builds shared understanding through interaction.
Stories are explored together, with space for individual interpretation, pacing, and response.
PDA-Informed Design
Reduces demand and preserves autonomy.
SSS avoids pressure, compliance-based language, and performance expectations.
Three Levels of Support
SSS resources are available at three levels that vary in language, level of abstraction, and opportunities for reflection. The levels are not age bands or measures of ability. They offer different ways into the same topic, from concrete, adult-supported understanding to deeper reflection and self-advocacy. A learner may use different levels at different times, depending on the topic, setting, and amount of support they need.
Why This Matters
When learners are expected to behave without understanding, support often breaks down.
build understanding before expectations
support regulation through relationship
create access to communication and participation
reduce confusion, pressure, and misinterpretation
Not by starting with behavior change —
but by making the experience more understandable.
Understanding grows over time.
These resources are one way to build it — together.