Social Story Templates

Social Stories for Autism

100s of free Social Stories to support autistic children with routines, transitions, sensory needs and emotions. Download free PDF and print instantly, or personalise within seconds

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I can use kind words like hello, please, thank you, and sorry

Sorry!
Hello!
Thank you
Please

Using Kind Words

friends kind-words social-skills

That kind words can make other people feel good and can help everyday interactions go more smoothly.

It will be my birthday soon! It is exciting because I will have a party with my friends

My Birthday Party

birthday friends holidays

What might happen at a birthday party and how they can feel prepared.

I love playing with my toys or outside. Sometimes, it’s time to stop playing and do something else

When It's Time to Finish Playing

play transitions waiting

That playtime ends sometimes, and that finishing one activity does not mean fun is gone forever.

I am going to watch a movie at the cinema. It's my favourite movie

Going to See a Movie

play sensory waiting

What happens at the cinema so the experience feels more predictable.

We brush our teeth twice a day to keep them clean and healthy. Sometimes I don't want to brush my teeth

Brushing Teeth

hygiene routine teeth

Why brushing matters and what to do step by step.

We all get two sets of teeth. First, milk teeth arrive. As we grow, they fall out one by one and get replaced by permanent teeth

Losing a Tooth

hygiene routine teeth

What happens when a tooth becomes wobbly or falls out, and what to expect next.

Sometimes, people need space. If I stand too close to someone, they might feel uncomfortable

---
---

Understanding Personal Space

feelings friends personal-space social-skills

That people have different comfort levels and that giving space can help everyone feel safe and calm.

Sometimes, my clothes feel scratchy or tight or rough, and it bothers me

When my clothes are uncomfortable

feelings sensory

Those feelings and what they can do when clothes do not feel right.

Sometimes, my tummy feels funny, and that means I am hungry.

Grrr...Grrr

When I'm hungry

food routine

What hunger feels like and what to do next.

I will start my new school very soon. I am so excited to learn new things and make new friends

New
school

Starting New School

classroom friends school transitions

What it may be like to begin at a new school and how to feel prepared for the experience.

I love having snacks between meals, especially the ones that I like

When I Want a Snack

food routine waiting

How to recognise when they want a snack and how to ask in a calm and appropriate way.

The swimming pool is a place where I can play and swim in the water

I love going swimming

Going to the Swimming Pool

play swimming waiting

What to expect during a trip to the pool.

Sometimes when I am with other people, I get very tired or feel upset

When I Need a Break, I Can Use My iPad

break feelings

Taking a break can be a helpful strategy, and an iPad can be used safely and appropriately as part of that break.

Sometimes when I am with other people, I get very tired or feel upset

When I Need a Break

break feelings

That taking a break is okay and can be a safe, helpful way to feel calm again.

At my secondary school, I move from one class to another for each lesson

Getting to Class on Time

organisation routine school

How to manage moving between classes calmly and more confidently.

Sometimes, I need to wait in a line at school to get my turn

It's also called queuing

Queuing in School

school waiting

Why queues happen and how to wait in a calm and safe way.

When I travel on a train, I need to stay with an adult at all times to stay safe

Travelling in a Train

sensory travel waiting

What happens when travelling by train.

Sometimes during play, I can get hurt

OUCH!!!

Getting hurt while playing

medical play safety

That little accidents like scrapes, bumps, or bruises are a normal part of play.

When I play with a toy, sometimes my friends or my siblings want to play with it too

Sharing My Toys

friends play social-skills

What sharing means and how it can help play feel fair and enjoyable for everyone.

I will be going on a school trip with my class and teachers

I am so excited!

Going on a School Trip

school school-trip travel

What a school trip may involve so they can feel more prepared.

Sometimes, I need to wait in a line, like when we are at the supermarket or waiting for a ride

Waiting in Line

feelings waiting

Why people wait in line and how they can do it more calmly.

Sometimes my Grandma and Grandad come to visit me at my house

When My Grandparents Come to Visit Me

family routine social-skills

What might happen when grandparents visit and how to feel more prepared.

I am going to ride a bus today with my dad. I love travelling by bus

Travelling in a Bus

sensory travel

What happens during a bus journey.

I'm going to travel on an airplane soon. Sometimes an air journey can be very long

Travelling on an Airplane

airplane airport travel waiting

What happens during a flight so the journey feels calmer and more predictable.

At Christmas dinner, there may be many lights and sounds and lots of people talking 

Christmas Dinner with Family

christmas family food holidays

What to expect during a family holiday meal.

Sometimes at bedtime when my mum tells me to go to bed, I get upset

Bedtime Routine

bedtime routine

A calming bedtime routine in a simple and predictable way.

In the school playground, I love to go on slides

When my Friends Want to Play Something Else

feelings friends play social-skills

That other people may have different ideas and that friendships can still feel safe and enjoyable when plans change.

Sometimes I feel pressure in my tummy. That's my body telling me I need to poo 

Grr!!
Grr!!

When I need to Poo

hygiene routine toilet

What to do when they feel the need to poo.

It is good to be home from school. When I come back, I can try and remember these important things

I'm tired but I must remember

When I Come Home from School

routine school

Simple after-school steps like hanging up their bag, taking off shoes, changing clothes, and washing up before having food.

Going to school is fun. In school, I see my friends and learn new things every day

Classroom Behaviour

classroom learning school social-skills

What respectful and calm behaviour in the classroom can look like.

Sometimes in the morning, when mum wakes me up for school I feel very upset

I want to sleep some more

Getting Up in the Morning

morning routine

A calm and simple morning routine.

In the classroom, when my teacher asks a question, I sometimes raise my hand to answe

When I Raise My Hand to Answer

classroom school social-skills waiting

How to join in during lessons in a calm and confident way.

Sometimes I feel nervous but also excited when it is time to board the plane

Boarding an Airplane

airplane airport travel waiting

What happens during boarding in a simple and reassuring way.

Every evening before the school day, I can remember to pack my schoolbag for the next day

Packing My School Bag

independence organisation routine school

Packing a school bag in simple steps so children can feel ready for the next school day.

My body is changing because I am growing. This is OK

Everyone goes through these changes

Body Changes and Privacy

feelings privacy safety

Body changes, privacy, and the difference between public and private in a clear, calm, and respectful way.

I feel excited and sometimes a little nervous when the plane takes off or lands

I can feel strange vibrations and sounds

Airplane Takeoff and Landing

airplane airport travel

What happens during take-off and landing and simple ways to stay calm.

In summer, the days are long. The weather gets hot, and the sun can feel really bright

Staying Safe in Summer

routine safety summer

How to take care of themselves in summer with simple, clear reminders about staying cool and safe.

Sometimes I visit the zoo with my family or school

We are going to
the zoo

Visiting a Zoo

school school-trip travel

Help children manage noise, busy places, walking long distances and feel calm, safe, and confident while exploring animals and new environments.

On my birthday, I might get presents from my family and friends

It's my birthday!

Getting Presents on my Birthday

birthday family holidays kind-words

Sometimes, when I see my teacher or a friend, I can say “Hello” and smile

Hello

Saying Hello and Goodbye

family friends kind-words

Encourages children in building confidence when starting and ending conversations using kind words, smiles, and friendly gestures

On Christmas, I might get presents from my family and friends

Getting Presents on Christmas

christmas family holidays kind-words

What to expect around giving and receiving presents during the festive season.

On school mornings, I can get ready on time for school and sit at the table for breakfast

Breakfast on School Mornings

morning routine school

Helps children follow a calm, structured breakfast routine and get ready for school without getting stressed

Sometimes I visit a museum or art gallery with my family or school

We are going to the museum!

Visiting a Museum or Art Gallery

school school-trip travel

Help children manage walking long distances and feel calm, safe and confident while new environments.

When it's my bed time, I go to my bed every night

I can sleep with my teddy

Falling Asleep with Noise

bedtime routine sensory

Helps children feel calm and fall asleep with night-time noises by using simple coping strategies and reassurance

Sometimes I need help from staff. I may feel uncomfortable or frustrated while I wait

I need help. Can you please come quickly?

Waiting for Help

kind-words medical

How to wait calmly for support offering simple strategies to stay calm and feel in control when staff are assisting others

Every night, when it’s bed time, I say good night to everyone and go to bed

Good night

Staying in Bed all Night

bedtime routine

Motivates children to stay in bed all night by building understanding, reassurance, and simple strategies to return to sleep

I am going to the amusement park with my family

I'm so excited

Going to an Amusement Park

feelings holidays play sensory waiting

What to expect during a trip to an amusement park.

Sometimes, when I have a long day, my body and mind can feel very tired

I feel so tired

When I am tired

feelings routine

What tiredness can feel like and what they can do when they need rest.

Sometimes my tummy lets me know when something feels different

. . . ???

How My Tummy Talks to Me

food medical

Feelings like hunger, fullness, butterflies, needing the toilet, or feeling unwell in a simple and gentle way.

Sometimes, when I'm sick or hurt, I need to see the doctor

My stomach
hurts

Going to the GP

doctor medical safety

What to expect at a GP visit, from talking about how they feel to seeing the doctor’s tools and being examined calmly.

I love going to school. I can try to remember these things everyday.

School
is fun !!!

Morning Routine for School

morning routine school

The morning routine broken down into simple, manageable steps so children can feel prepared, organised, and in control before leaving for school.

Everybody goes potty every single day. That is why we have toilets at home, school and everywhere else

Potty Training

hygiene routine toilet

What to do when they feel the need to poo.

On holidays, I might have to do things differently than I do at home

Changes on Holiday

holidays routine transitions

That things may be a little different on holiday, and that they can still cope and feel okay.

Sometimes I need help with something in school or at home

I can't find my socks!

Asking for Help Nicely

classroom family friends kind-words

A social story that helps children learn how to ask for help in a polite manner at school or at home

Sometimes, when it's bedtime, I feel scared to go to sleep

I'm scared

Getting Scared at Night

bedtime feelings routine

This social Story helps children feel safe and calm at night by managing bedtime fears with reassuring strategies and relaxing techniques

Sometimes, at bedtime, I have trouble sleeping

I can't sleep!

Bedtime Relaxation Techniques

bedtime routine

Helps children relax at bedtime and fall asleep using simple deep breathing techniques to manage restlessness

Summer break is almost over. School is starting soon and I will go to a new class

Back to School

routine school transitions

What to expect when returning to school and how to feel prepared for the change in routine.

Sometimes, I forget to pack my schooI bag and bring important things that I need at school

Oh no! I forgot my diary at home

Packing My Schoolbag Every Day

morning routine school

Encourages children to use a clear, structured routine for packing their School bag the night before School so nothing is forgotten

Sometimes I go on a school trip with my class and teachers

It's my class trip today

Safety on School Trips

safety school school-trip travel

Help create safety awareness in children while travelling, staying with their group, and following instructions in new environments

Sometimes I feel angry, frustrated, worried, or overwhelmed

I want a turn NOW!

Hitting Can Hurt, Safe Hands Can Help

feelings friends social-skills

A simple social story about hitting, safe hands, and managing big feelings. Helps children use words, breaks, and calm strategies instead of hitting

Soon, we are going on a holiday

I'm feeling excited and a little worried

Preparing for a Holiday

holidays routine travel

What it means to get ready for a holiday and why planning ahead can make things feel easier.

Sometimes we have a fire drill at school to help us practise staying safe

Fire Drill at School

fire-drill safety school sensory

That a fire drill is for practice and that adults are there to help.

Sometimes I make mistakes by accident

Oops! I broke the window

Saying Sorry and Being Forgiving

family friends kind-words

Supports children in understanding mistakes, using kind words, and building positive relationships with others

Sometimes, when I ask for something, someone can say “no”

Mum, can I have an ice cream? The ice cream van is here

Accepting “No” Politely

classroom family friends kind-words

Helping children learn how to accept “no” by explaining what people mean when they say ‘no

Sometimes when I see something I like about a person, it’s nice to tell them

Giving Compliments

family friends kind-words

Helping children learn how to give compliments using kind words

I am going to the dentist to help my teeth stay healthy

Going to the Dentist

dentist medical teeth

What to expect during a dental visit in a simple, calm, and supportive way.

I love solving math sums in school and at home

Making Mistakes while Learning

classroom feelings learning school

That getting something wrong does not mean they have failed.

On holiday, I will sleep in a new place like a hotel or holiday home

Sleeping at a New Place

bedtime holidays transitions

What it means to sleep in a new place and that they are safe.

We are going to the beach and that can be fun and exciting. I can try to remember some important things

I'm Going to the Beach

beach holidays summer

What to expect at the beach so they can feel calm and ready.

I am going on a holiday soon, and I can try to pack my things 

I can pack my things
myself

Packing for Holiday

holidays routine travel

What packing is, why it matters, and how they can take part in a calm and helpful way.

Playing in the sea is lots of fun. I can try to remember some important things

Staying Safe at the Beach

beach safety summer

How to stay safe near the sea, around waves, and during beach activities.

We are going to the airport to catch a plane. We need to arrive a few hours early. 

Going to the Airport

airplane airport travel waiting

What happens at the airport before a flight.

Sometimes my body tells me that I need to go potty

Not Waiting Too Long for the Toilet

hygiene toilet waiting

Why it is important to go when their body tells them to.

I can feel a little nervous when I’m going through airport security, and that is okay

Going Through Airport Security

airplane airport safety travel

The airport security process in simple language, with calm ways to follow each step.

Sometimes, subject teachers give us homework and instructions on how to do it 

Writing Homework in my Planner

homework independence organisation school

How to record their homework clearly and confidently.

Sometimes I feel anxious. My body can suddenly feel tight, hot, or full of energy

I may feel many strong feelings

When I Feel Anxious

feelings safety

What anxious feelings can feel like and simple, calming strategies they can use.

Sometimes, when I am outside of my house, I need to use public toilets

Loud Dryers in Toilets

sensory toilet

Why hand dryers can sound so loud and what they can do if the noise feels overwhelming.

Sometimes when I’m with other people, they may like to do different things

Let's play tag
But I want to
play football

It’s Okay to Like Different Things

feelings friends play social-skills

That everyone has their own interests, and that is a normal part of friendships

When I go outside, there are roads, cars, and places I want to explore

Look at that car!

Staying Safe When I Go Out

routine safety

Simple safety rules for going out, such as staying with an adult, noticing roads, and telling someone before going anywhere.

Sometimes an adult asks me to do a chore, like putting dishes away or taking out the rubbish

Can you help me
 please

Doing Chores at Home

independence routine

What chores are, why adults ask for them, and how they can be done one step at a time.

Sometimes in school, there are many food choices at lunch and break times

I can't decide what
 to eat

Making Healthy Choices at School Lunch

food routine school

Pausing, noticing hunger, and making balanced food choices at lunchtime.

I'm feeling excited to have my first phone, and there are some rules I need to follow

Using My Phone Safely

phone-safety safety

How to use a phone safely, communicate carefully, and know what to do when something online feels confusing or upsetting.

Soon, I will be taking a bus or train to go to school on my own 

I'm so excited

Taking Public Transport to School on My Own

independence safety school travel

The journey to school on public transport broken into simple, clear steps so children can feel more prepared and safe.

Soon, I will be walking to school on my own. This will help me feel confident and independent

I'm so excited

Walking to School on My Own

independence safety school travel

What to expect on the route and how to stay safe when travelling independently.

Sometimes my teacher gives us work to complete during class

Please try to complete
 this work in class

Completing Work in Class

classroom learning school

What happens when a teacher gives work and how they can begin and keep going step by step.

When I am flying on a plane, I can try to keep myself safe

Staying Safe on an Airplane

airplane safety travel

Simple safety rules on a plane, including seatbelts, listening to cabin crew, and staying calm during the flight.

I'm going to visit my Grandma and Grandad

Visiting Grandparents' House

family routine social-skills

What a visit to grandparents’ house may be like.

When I talk or text on my phone, I can remember some important rules

Who Is Safe to Call or Text

feelings phone-safety safety social-skills

That they should only talk to people they know and trust, and that personal information should be kept private.

When I am on the plane, I may need to use the bathroom

It can be small and a bit different

Using Airplane Toilet

airplane safety toilet travel

What to expect when using an airplane toilet and that it is okay to take their time and ask for help.

Sometimes I ride the school bus to go to school or on a school trip

I'm excited to go on
the trip

School Trip Bus Ride

safety school school-trip travel

Helps children prepare for a school trip to make their journey safe, predictable, and comfortable.

I am going to the hospital so the doctor can help me feel better

Going to Hospital for an Operation

doctor hospital medical

What may happen before, during, and after a hospital visit for an operation in a calm and reassuring way.

Sometimes my brain gets stuck on a problem or worry

I can't stop thinking about it

I Can Come Back to It Later

feelings kind-words social-skills waiting

A social story about stuck thoughts, worries, and letting go. Helps children use calming strategies and return to problems later when they are calm

Each week, I can make safe and kind choices

I can get rewards for my kind choices

My Safe and Kind Choices Reward

kind-words routine social-skills

Helps children understand reward systems, shopping rewards, and positive behaviour support (On-Demand Social Story)

During summertime, when it is my bedtime, there is still light outside

Going to Bed When It Is Still Light Outside

bedtime feelings routine

Helps children understand summer bedtimes, longer daylight hours, and why sleep is important

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