Social Story Mini-Builder
Choose a scenario, add your child's name, and get a beautifully formatted social story β ready to read and print together.
👪 About your child
✎ Your own sentences (optional)
Add anything specific to your child β a comfort object, someone who will be there, or a phrase that helps them feel calm.
What is a social story?
A social story is a short, personalised narrative written to help an autistic child understand a specific social situation, routine, or expected behaviour. Developed by Carol Gray in 1991, social stories describe a situation from the child's perspective β what is happening, why, what others might be thinking or feeling, and what the child can do. They are one of the most evidence-based and widely used strategies in autism support, used by parents, teachers and therapists worldwide.
When to use a social story
Social stories work best when introduced before a situation rather than during it. Common uses include preparing a child for a first dental appointment, explaining what happens at a birthday party, helping a child understand why they need to wait their turn, supporting a transition such as starting a new school, or explaining a change in routine like a supply teacher or a different bus. They can also address recurring challenges β like what to do when something feels unfair, or how to ask for help.
How to use the social story builder
Type the title and each sentence of the story in sequence. Carol Gray's original guidelines suggest a mix of descriptive sentences (what happens), perspective sentences (what others think or feel) and directive sentences (what the child can do). Keep language simple, positive and specific to your child. When the story is complete, print it out β ideally with pictures β and read it with your child several times before the situation occurs. Some children like to keep their story in a special folder they can return to when they feel anxious.
Free, private, no account needed. Works on any device. See all free Helpset tools β