Reinforcing sexual boundaries through interactive social narratives: an innovative approach for ASD

Empowering individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to navigate social interactions with confidence is a critical step towards independence. Many ASD individuals struggle with self-regulation, particularly in managing sexual behaviour due to challenges in communication and social cue recognition. This groundbreaking innovation introduces a social story as an interactive self-representative tool to enhance self-control and behavioural awareness. Over an eight-week study, five ASD teenagers (aged 15–18) participated in a structured intervention involving pre-tests, post-tests, and observational analysis, revealing remarkable improvements in self-care, decision-making, and behavioural management. The findings underscore the transformative potential of social stories in equipping ASD individuals with ASD with essential life skills, bridging the gap between childhood and adulthood. This innovation redefines special needs education by fostering responsible behaviour and strengthening emotional intelligence, shaping a future where ASD individuals with ASD thrive with confidence and dignity.