What is a Social Story?

If you are unfamiliar with the concept, social stories are commonly used to help children understand events taking place in their lives as well as social norms and how to interact with the world around them. For example, situations such as going to the dentist or getting a haircut; learning new routines such as dinner time or bath time; preparing for upcoming events such as a field trip, family vacation, or a new school; learning about safety and boundaries; and even Santa Claus!

A social story is a simple book individually created for a particular child that addresses a social convention that they may find challenging. Social stories are usually less than 10 pages and can even be a single page. They are often printed on regular paper and stapled to create a “book,” but they can also be stored as a PDF and opened on an iPad, computer, or other device. There are also some apps you can use to quickly create social stories. Children can read the social story themselves, or you can read the social story with your child. In many cases, children want to look at the story repeatedly. Because social stories are illustrated, even children who aren’t yet reading can benefit from “reading” the story to themselves over and over, using the pictures to help them narrate to themselves the story.

Learn more in our article What is a Social Story? Featuring Carol Gray.