Social Story Templates

Social Stories About Medical Visits and Health

Medical moments can feel big, even when they are very ordinary. A sore tummy can feel mysterious. A dentist visit can feel enormous. A trip to the GP can raise a lot of questions. And sometimes a child gets hurt while playing and goes from “I am absolutely fine” to “this is the worst thing that has ever happened” in about six seconds.

That is where social stories can help. They explain health-related situations in a calm, simple way so children know what might happen and why. This page brings together our social stories about medical visits, body changes, teeth, hospitals, and everyday health experiences.

Medical social stories illustration

Choose from the topics below -

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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FAQs

Medical stories can be especially powerful when they are used before a child reaches the appointment or procedure itself.

  • Read the story before the visit - A calm preview can make a medical event feel much less mysterious.
  • Use simple, steady language - Children do not need lots of extra detail. They need clarity and reassurance.
  • Go back to the story afterwards - This can help children process what happened and remember that they managed something hard.
  • Be honest and encouraging - It is okay to say something might feel strange or new while also reminding the child that they will be supported.

These stories are helpful for autistic and neurodivergent children, and for any child who feels better when health and medical situations are explained gently and clearly.

You can use these stories before an appointment, before a hospital visit, after an injury, during a body change, or when helping a child understand what their body is telling them.

These medical social stories can help children with:

  • visiting the doctor or dentist
  • understanding hospitals and surgery
  • coping with minor injuries
  • recognising body cues
  • understanding changes with teeth
  • feeling calmer during appointments

A medical social story is a short, simple story that helps children understand a health-related experience such as a doctor visit, dentist appointment, hospital stay, or body change.

Yes. They are often most helpful when read before the appointment so the child knows what to expect.

No. They can help with everyday situations too, such as minor injuries, tummy feelings, dental care, and losing a tooth.

Yes, that can be very helpful. It gives children a way to reflect on what happened and recognise that they got through it.