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Guide

Social story examples for common situations

Short example stories for the doctor, haircuts, new school, waiting and more, and how to write your own.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 29, 2026 · 1 min read
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A mother and daughter reading a book together under a lamp
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The short answer

A social story is a short, positive story that explains a situation: what will happen, who will be there, and what might help. Keep it to 4 to 8 simple sentences, write from your child's point of view, use photos, and read it several times before the event. Examples below cover the doctor, haircuts, a new school and waiting.

Key takeaways
  • Keep it short: 4 to 8 sentences.
  • Write from your child's point of view.
  • Use photos of the real place.
  • Read it several times before the event.

What do example stories look like?

Going to the doctor: "Today I am going to the doctor. I will wait in the waiting room. The doctor will look in my ears and listen to my heart. It might feel strange. I can hold my toy. Then we go home."

Getting a haircut: "Sometimes my hair gets long. I sit in a chair and wear a cape. The hairdresser uses scissors. I can count to 10. Then my hair is short and I get a sticker."

Starting a new school: "Soon I will go to a new school. My teacher is Ms. Lee. My classroom has a reading corner. I will learn new things and meet new friends. Mum or Dad picks me up at the end of the day."

Waiting: "Sometimes I have to wait. Waiting can feel hard. I can hold my waiting card. When the timer ends, it's my turn."

Social narratives are an evidence-based practice.2

How do I write my own?

  1. Describe the situation simply.1
  2. Use 'I' and 'sometimes'.
  3. Add photos of the real place and people.
  4. End on something positive.
  5. Read it together a few times.
Free printable: social narrative templatePDF · 1 page · a simple story to prepare for a new or hard situation
Download Free printable: social narrative template

What can I try this week?

0 of 3 done

Read next: How do I write a social story?

Common questions

Short: 4 to 8 sentences for young children, with one idea per page.

Sources

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

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

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