Social Stories: What They Are and How to Use Them

Social stories were developed by Carol Gray in 1991. They are short, first-person narratives that describe a specific social situation, the perspectives of people in that situation, and appropriate responses.

The core idea: autistic people benefit from explicit, concrete information about social situations that neurotypical people absorb implicitly. A social story provides that information in a format that is accessible and can be reviewed before the situation occurs.

What makes a good social story: it is written in first person ("I am going to the dentist"). It describes the situation, what will happen, how others might feel, and what the person can do. It uses more descriptive and perspective sentences than directive ones. It is written at the person's comprehension level.

Example structure: "Sometimes I go to the dentist. The dentist checks my teeth. The bright light helps the dentist see. Some things feel different in my mouth. The dentist wants to help keep my teeth healthy. When the check-up is done, I can go home. I can feel proud that I went to the dentist."

When to use them: before first-time experiences, before returning to a difficult situation, to prepare for transitions (new school, new classroom, family event), and to introduce new expectations or changes.

Social stories are not scripts for compliance. They are tools for understanding. The goal is to reduce anxiety by replacing ambiguity with clear information — not to dictate behavior.

Apps and tools: Social Story Creator (iOS), Boardmaker, and simple Google Slides with photos work well. The format matters less than the content.

**More from WeBearish**

- [Sensory Tools Guide](/sensory-tools-guide) — Tools the autism community actually recommends

- [Getting a Diagnosis: A Parent's Guide](/getting-a-diagnosis) — Step by step, plain English

- [Join the WeBearish Community](/community) — $3/month. No tragedy narratives.

---

**Helpful Tools & Resources**

Sensory tools, books, and resources that support autistic people and their families:

- [Noise-Canceling Headphones for Kids](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=noise+canceling+headphones+kids+autism&tag=theclantv20-20) — One of the most impactful sensory tools for many autistic people

- [Weighted Blankets](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=weighted+blanket+autism+sensory&tag=theclantv20-20) — Deep pressure support for regulation

- [Fidget Tools](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fidget+tools+sensory+autism&tag=theclantv20-20) — Tactile regulation tools for hands and focus

- [Identity-First Books About Autism](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=autism+identity+first+books&tag=theclantv20-20) — Books that celebrate autistic identity

- [The Explosive Child — Ross Greene](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=explosive+child+ross+greene&tag=theclantv20-20) — Collaborative problem-solving, respected by autism advocates

*Some links above may be affiliate links. WeBearish earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.*