This on-demand social story was requested by a user to support an adult with cerebral palsy and mild intellectual difficulties in learning how to wait calmly for support. It breaks the experience into clear, manageable steps and uses respectful, reassuring language to explain why waiting may be necessary, while offering simple strategies to stay calm and feel in control when staff are assisting others.
Who is this social story for?
This story is especially helpful for adults or children in supported living or long-term care settings who may find waiting for assistance frustrating or distressing.
When can I use this social story?
Use it before care routines, during therapy sessions, or at times when waiting for staff support is expected, to prepare and reinforce calm waiting behaviours.
What does this story help with?
- understanding why staff may need time to help others first
- reducing frustration and repeated demands for help
- using appropriate ways to request support (e.g. asking once, using a call button)
- practising calming strategies like slow breathing and self-talk
- building patience and emotional regulation
- making safe and positive choices while waiting
