Social Stories

The first step in making a social story is selecting one specific situation to focus on. Keeping the story centered on a single event/topic helps prevent confusion and makes it easier for the person acquiring the skill to follow. Examples include “going to the doctor,” “brushing your teeth,” “joining a group activity,” or “getting ready for school.” Once the situation is chosen, decide what outcome you want the story to support.

Goals may include reducing anxiety, increasing cooperation, or teaching expected behavior in a new environment. When the goal is clear and practical, the social story becomes more effective and easier to use consistently. This will make it easier for the person to implement it.

A well-written social story should explain the situation in a clear sequence of events. When making a social story, describe the order of events including where it will take place and who will be involved. Predictable steps help the reader feel prepared and reduce uncertainty. Use short sentences and concrete language that matches the person’s level of understanding. You can also include choices or actions they can take, such as raising their hand, asking for a break, or waiting calmly.

Keeping the structure simple helps the story feel safe, organized, and easy to remember. That will come in handy the more you implement the story.

Using supportive language is a key part of making a social story because it helps the reader feel encouraged instead of judged. Depending on the content of the social story, it’s helpful to include emotions the person may experience, such as feeling nervous, excited, overwhelmed, or unsure. This helps normalize their feelings and makes the story more relatable to their situation.

Social stories should try to include calming strategies like deep breathing, asking for help, using a sensory tool, or taking a break. It’s best to steer clear of negative or harsh phrases and instead focus on reassurance and positive guidance. The overall tone should be calm, respectful, and confidence-building to the reader.

Many individuals benefit from visual support when learning a new routine or expectation. When making a social story, photos, icons, drawings, or simple illustrations go a long way toward getting your point across. Real photos of the actual environment (such as the classroom, dentist office, or school bus) can be extremely helpful, as that will allow readers to see those places being read about.

Additionally, visuals improve comprehension, increase familiarity, and make the story easier to remember and understand. They also help individuals who have limited verbal language or who learn best through seeing images. Even simple visuals can make the social story far more engaging and effective than simply words on the page.

When making a social story, writing in first-person is often recommended. This allows the reader to directly connect with the message. Personalizing the story with names, locations, and familiar routines makes it more meaningful and relevant. It is also important to match the language to the individual’s communication level, which can mean using short phrases or full sentences.

Read (or give them the option to read) the social story several times before the event so the reader can build familiarity and confidence. After the event happens, you can update the story based on what went well or what needs adjustment. Consistent review, practice, and reworking make social stories more effective over time.