What Is a Social Story?

A social story is a short, personalized story that explains a situation, skill or concept to a child in a clear and reassuring way. It describes what happens, why it happens, how people might feel, and what the child can try to do, using simple words and often pictures.

Where social stories come from

Social stories were developed in 1991 by Carol Gray, a teacher and consultant who worked with autistic students. She noticed that many of her students struggled not because they did not want to follow social expectations, but because nobody had explained those expectations in a way that made sense to them. Her solution was to write short, factual stories from the student’s point of view. The approach became known as Social Stories™, and it is now used in homes, schools and therapy clinics around the world.

Who are social stories for?

Social stories were designed for autistic children, but they help many learners who benefit from clear, predictable information:

• Toddlers and preschoolers learning everyday routines.
• Children with autism, ADHD, anxiety or sensory processing differences.
• Children with speech, language or developmental delays.
• Any child facing something new: a move, a new sibling, a hospital visit or a new school.

What a social story is not

A social story is not a list of rules, a behavior contract or a punishment. If a story mostly tells the child what they must and must not do, it becomes a lecture, and children quickly tune it out. A good social story shares information first and suggests a response second. Its goal is understanding, not compliance.

The four main sentence types

Carol Gray’s guidelines describe several kinds of sentences. The four you will use most often are:

• Descriptive sentences state facts: who, what, where and when. “At the dentist, I sit in a big chair.”
• Perspective sentences describe thoughts and feelings, the child’s own or other people’s. “The dentist wants to help my teeth stay healthy.”
• Coaching (directive) sentences gently suggest a response. “I can try to keep my mouth open while the dentist counts my teeth.”
• Affirmative sentences reassure or state a shared value. “Lots of kids go to the dentist. It helps keep teeth strong.”

A common guideline is to use at least two descriptive, perspective or affirmative sentences for every coaching sentence. This keeps the story informative and calm rather than bossy.

A complete social story example

Here is a short social story about going to the dentist, written in the first person:

My name is Sam. Sometimes I go to the dentist.

The dentist is a doctor who helps keep teeth healthy.

At the dentist’s office, I wait in the waiting room. I can read a book while I wait.

When it is my turn, I sit in a big chair. The chair can move up and down.

The dentist wears gloves and a mask. A bright light helps the dentist see my teeth.

The dentist will ask me to open my mouth. I can try to keep my mouth open while the dentist counts.

Some tools make a buzzing sound. If I feel worried, I can squeeze my hands and take slow breaths.

When the dentist is finished, my teeth feel clean and smooth.

Going to the dentist helps me stay healthy. I can do it!

Notice how most sentences simply describe what will happen. Only two sentences coach the child, and the story names a worried feeling and gives a concrete way to cope with it.

How to write a social story in 7 steps

1. Pick one situation. Focus on a single, specific event that is hard for the child right now.
2. Gather information. Watch what actually happens. What is hard? What does the child notice? What do other people expect?
3. Write from the child’s perspective. First person (“I”) is common for young children. Third person can work better for older children.
4. Describe more than you direct. Explain the setting, the sequence and the feelings before suggesting what to do.
5. Use positive, literal language. Say “I can try to walk” instead of “Don’t run”. Avoid idioms, sarcasm and absolute words like “always” and “never”.
6. Add visuals. Photos of the real place or people work best. Drawings or picture symbols are also helpful.
7. Review and adjust. Read it with the child, watch how they respond, and revise it as needed.

If you would like a head start, our free social story generator writes a first draft that follows these guidelines. You can also print a blank social story template.

How to read a social story with a child

• Introduce the story at a calm time, not in the middle of a meltdown.
• Read it regularly for a few days before the situation, then right before it happens.
• Keep the wording consistent each time you read it.
• Invite the child to point to pictures, turn pages or read parts aloud.
• Fade the story gradually once the child is comfortable with the situation.

Do social stories work?

Social stories are widely used in schools and clinics, and research on them is generally encouraging, especially for teaching routines and reducing anxiety around specific events. They work best when they are individualized, read consistently, and combined with other supports such as visual schedules, modeling and practice. They are a helpful tool, not a cure or a medical treatment.

Free social story examples

Browse our free social stories library for ready-made examples about personal space, potty training, hitting, sharing, transitions and haircuts.

Social Stories™ is a trademark of Carol Gray. AIStory is not affiliated with Carol Gray or The Gray Center.