Social Story Creator
Create personalized social stories for your child. Choose a scenario, add your child's name, and print a custom story that helps them understand what to expect. Free, evidence-based, no account required.
Choose a Story
Select a scenario to create a personalized social story for your child.
Personalize the story, then read through the pages with your child before the event.
More Free Tools for Your Child
About Social Stories
What Are Social Stories?
Social stories are short, personalized narratives that describe a situation from a child's perspective. Developed by Carol Gray in 1991, they help children with autism understand social situations, reduce anxiety about new experiences, and learn expected behaviors. They are one of the most widely used evidence-based interventions in ABA and special education.
Why Social Stories Work
Children with autism often struggle with uncertainty. Social stories reduce anxiety by making unfamiliar situations predictable. They provide clear, concrete information about what will happen, how others might feel, and what the child can do. By reading the story before the event, the child arrives with a mental script that reduces fear and increases confidence.
How to Use This Tool
- Choose a scenario that matches an upcoming event or a recurring challenge
- Enter your child's name and preferred pronoun for personalization
- Read through the story pages together
- Print the story and read it with your child before the event
- Read it more than once if your child finds it helpful
- Bring the printed story to the actual event as a reference
- After the event, review the story together and praise successes
Tips for Effectiveness
- Read the story in a calm, positive voice
- Point to the pictures as you read each page
- Read the story at least 2-3 times before the event
- Let your child look at the story independently if they want to
- Use consistent language: the same words every time
- Pair the story with visual schedules for structured routines
Frequently Asked Questions
A short narrative written from a child's perspective that describes a social situation, what to expect, and what behaviors are appropriate. Developed by Carol Gray in 1991 and widely used for children with autism.
Social stories can be adapted for children as young as 2-3 with simple pictures and short sentences. Most commonly used ages 3-12, but adaptable for teens and adults.
Yes. Research supports social stories as evidence-based practice for autism. A 2012 meta-analysis found moderate to large effect sizes. They are most effective when used consistently and read before the target situation.
Yes. This tool helps you create them following Carol Gray's guidelines: first person, positive language, descriptive and perspective sentences, and a low ratio of directive sentences. Personalize with your child's name for maximum effectiveness.