How to use it
- Pick a starter story, or start blank. Change the words to fit what will really happen.
- Read it together a few times before the day, one page at a time. Use Next and Back.
- Print it to take along, or keep it on the phone.
Keep it honest and calm: say what will happen, what the person might feel, and what they can do if it gets too much. Avoid promising things you can't control.
Why it works
These stories are inspired by Social Stories™, developed in 1990 by teacher Carol Gray: short, personal stories that calmly describe a situation, with clarity and predictability (Carol Gray (opens in a new tab)). Ours are simpler and don't follow her full criteria. In a large UK school trial with 249 autistic children aged 4–11, Social Stories helped children meet their own personal goals more often, but didn't measurably change anxiety or overall social skills (ASSSIST-2, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
The National Autistic Society says unexpected change is one reason autistic people may feel anxious, and suggests preparing ahead and counting down to changes. It also says there isn't enough research on how best to help (NAS: anxiety (opens in a new tab), NAS: routine (opens in a new tab)).
When to use it
- Before something new: the dentist, a haircut, a new class, a trip.
- When a usual routine is going to change.
- Read again on the day, in the car or the waiting room.
More tools
Not medical advice. This is a wellbeing tool, not a treatment. If things feel heavy, talk to someone.