# How do I write a social story? (with a free template)

> What social stories and social narratives are, how to write one step by step, an example, and how to use it.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/how-to-write-a-social-story
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** A social story is a short, personalised story that describes a situation, what happens and why, from the child's point of view, to help them understand and prepare. Carol Gray developed Social Stories in the early 1990s; many educators use the broader term 'social narratives'. Mostly describe, keep it positive and literal, add pictures, and read it together before the event.

**Key takeaways**
- A social story **describes** a situation from the **child's point of view**.
- **Mostly describe**, with only **one or two suggestions**.
- Keep it **short, positive and literal**, with **pictures**.
- **Read it together before** the event, when calm.

## What is a social story?

A short story that explains a situation, like a fire drill, a haircut or a new classroom, in a way the child can understand. Carol Gray developed Social Stories in the early 1990s and publishes guidance on writing them.[1] Social narratives are among the evidence-based practices identified for autistic children.[2]

## How do I write one?

1. **Pick one situation** and find out what's hard about it.
2. **Write from the child's view**, using "I" and words they use.
3. **Describe**: where, when, what happens, who is there.
4. **Explain why**, and how others might feel.
5. **Add one or two gentle suggestions**: "I can try to..."
6. **Keep it positive and literal**, and add pictures or photos.

## What does an example look like?

> **Fire drills at school**
>
> Sometimes at school we have a fire drill. A loud bell rings.
>
> The bell helps everyone practise leaving the building safely.
>
> When I hear the bell, my teacher shows me where to walk. I can wear my headphones if the bell feels too loud.
>
> We wait outside with my class. Then we go back inside. The fire drill is finished.

**Use real photos.** Photos of the actual place, like the playground or the school hall, make the story easier to understand.

## How do I use it?

**Try:**
- Reading it a few times before the event
- Reading it when the child is calm
- Sending a copy home

**Skip:**
- Reading it during a meltdown
- Using it as a list of rules
- Vague words like 'sometimes things change'

Free printable: [Free printable: social narrative template](https://theautismkit.com/printables/social-narrative-template.pdf)

## What can I write this week?

- [ ] Choose one upcoming situation
- [ ] Write 5 to 8 sentences using the template
- [ ] Add photos and read it together three times

Read next: [How do I help autistic students with fire drills and assemblies?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/fire-drills-assemblies-autism)

## Common questions

### What's the difference between a social story and a social narrative?

Social Stories is Carol Gray's specific approach, with defined criteria. Social narratives is a broader term for short stories that describe situations. Both aim to help children understand what happens and why.

### How long should a social story be?

Short: often 5 to 10 sentences for young children, with a picture on each page.

### Should I tell the child what to do?

Mostly describe the situation, with only one or two gentle suggestions. Stories that are all instructions can feel like rules.

## Sources

1. Carol Gray Social Stories. https://carolgraysocialstories.com/
2. National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice: Research and resources (social narratives). https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/research-and-resources/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.