Social Stories: A Way to Help Children Navigate New Experiences and Transitions

New experiences and transitions can be challenging for many children, but especially those with communication difficulties, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), challenging behaviors, and/or anxiety. Social stories can be an effective and powerful tool to support children in understanding and preparing for new experiences and changes in their routines.

What Are Social Stories?

Social stories are short, personalized narratives that describe a specific situation, expected behaviors, and/or potential outcomes in a structured and reassuring way. The purpose is to provide clear and concrete information about what a child can expect. 

How Do Social Stories Help with New Experiences and Transitions?

Many children thrive on predictability and routine. When faced with new experiences and transitions—such as starting a new school, visiting the doctor, getting a new babysitter, or going on a trip—they may feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty. Social stories aim to help by:

• Reducing Anxiety: By presenting information in a calm, predictable format, social stories provide reassurance and help children feel more in control of the situation.
• Setting Expectations: Social stories outline step-by-step what will happen, who will be involved, and how the child can respond.
• Encouraging Flexibility: Over time, exposure to social stories can help children build confidence in handling change.
• Supporting Language and Social Skills: Social stories model appropriate language, behaviors, and problem-solving strategies in various scenarios.

Creating an Effective Social Story

When developing a social story for your child, consider the following key elements:

1. Use Simple, Clear Language: Write the story in a way that matches the child’s comprehension level. Short and simple sentences are best. 
2. Incorporate Visuals: Pictures, symbols, or real-life photos can promote increased understanding and engagement.
3. Focus on the Positive: Frame the story in a reassuring, encouraging tone rather than emphasizing what not to do. 
   
   • For example if your child tends to run to the car in parking lots, you might write “I hold mama’s hand and we walk to the car” in the social story.   
4. Make It Personal: Always tailor the story to the child’s specific needs and experiences. 
5. Read and Review Together: Read the story multiple times before the new experience or transition. Allow the child to ask questions and express concerns.

Implementing Social Stories in Daily Life

Speech language pathologists (SLPs), teachers, parents, and even grandparents can use social stories! It’s important to highlight that they can be proactively used for various situations, such as:

• Coping with changes in routine (e.g., new school, school holidays, family trips)
• Preparing for a substitute teacher
• Learning to take turns in conversation or a game
• Visiting new places (e.g., a restaurant, airport, or friend’s house) 

Social stories are a powerful tool that can help children navigate transitions and new experiences with greater ease. By providing structure, predictability, and reassurance, these stories empower children to feel more confident and prepared for changes in their daily lives.