Social stories

What are social stories?

Stories can be a helpful way to explain what might happen in a situation and what your child can expect.

They can be about everyday routines, such as getting ready for bed. They can also help with something new or different, such as going on a journey, visiting the dentist or starting a new school.

Social Stories™ were created by Carol Gray. A genuine Social Story™ follows a set of rules about how it is written and used. It aims to share clear and accurate information in a safe, patient and supportive way.

How can social stories help?

Knowing what to expect can make some situations easier to understand.

Stories can be especially useful for autistic and other neurodivergent children. Some children find clear words and visual information easier to understand than spoken information on its own.

A story can help a child:

• understand what might happen
• prepare for a new experience
• understand a routine
• learn about a change
• go over information at their own pace

Every child is different. A story may work well for one child but not for another. You know your child best and can choose the tools that work for your family.

Make a story more visual

Family Fund does not teach you how to write a Social Story™. Instead, we can help you explore ways to make information more visual and engaging for your child.

You can use free digital tools to add pictures, photos, symbols and simple designs to a story or guide you already have.

For example, you could use free online tools such as Canva to add photos of real people and places your child knows, or find photos or maps of new places to help your child understand what may happen in the future. You could also use pictures or symbols that are familiar to your child.

You do not need to be good at design or technology to get started.

Join a free online workshop

Would you like someone to show you how to get started?

Family Fund runs free online workshops for parents and carers. We can show you how to use simple digital tools to create a visual story for your child.

You can follow along and create something that is personal to your child. There is also time to ask questions and get help.

Learn at your own pace

You can also use our free Learning Zone resources whenever works best for you and your family.

Create a visual story

Learn how to use simple digital tools to add pictures and visual information to a story for your child.

Getting ready for bed

Create a simple visual guide to help your child understand their bedtime routine and what happens next.

Getting ready for a journey

Help your child prepare for travelling by showing some of the places, people and steps they may experience along the way.

Learn more about Social Stories™

If you would like to learn how to write and use a genuine Social Story™, there is specialist information and training available.

Carol Gray created Social Stories™ and provides information about the approach and the rules that define a Social Story™.

The National Autistic Society also provides information about Social Stories™ and support for autistic children and their families.