Social stories for real moments (free, with pictures)
A social story tells a child, step by step, what will happen in a real moment, how it may feel, and one small thing to try. These social stories, from the dentist to a new baby, are free to open, to listen to and to download as a PDF. Each one paints the real place, and one tap makes it about your own child, with their name in the words.
Updated
- Going to the Dentist Ages 4–5 · 2 min · PDF
The waiting room, the big chair and the tiny mirror, step by step.
- A New Baby at Home Ages 3–4 · 2 min · PDF
What a new baby needs, and the time that is still just for you.
- My First Day of School Ages 4–5 · 2 min · PDF
The gate, the coat hooks, the classroom and one new hello.
- Saying Goodbye at Drop-off Ages 3–4 · 2 min · PDF
A hug, a wave at the window, play, and the grown-up coming back.
- Getting a Haircut Ages 4–5 · 2 min · PDF
The tall chair, the cape, the snip-snip and the buzzing clippers.
- The Doctor Visit Ages 4–5 · 2 min · PDF
The exam table, the stethoscope, and what to try if there is a shot.
- Flying on a Plane Ages 4–5 · 2 min · PDF
Check-in, security, take-off and landing, so nothing is a surprise.
- Bedtime and the Dark Ages 4–5 · 2 min · PDF
Pajamas, a story, the night-light, and sleeping in your own room.
Questions parents ask
What is a social story?
A short, calm story that tells a child what will happen in a real situation, in the order it happens, how they might feel, and one thing they can try. It helps a child know what to expect before the moment comes.
Can I make one about my child?
Yes. Open any of these and tap “Make your child the star”: their name goes in the words and, with one photo, their face in the pictures. The first one is free.
Are they for autistic children only?
No. Many autistic children find social stories helpful, and so does any child who likes to know what comes next: before a first haircut, a flight or a new school.