Social Stories, developed by Carol Gray in 1990, are stories which can be used with individuals with Autism to exchange information that is personalized and illustrated. Social Stories are usually short, simple and have defined criteria to make them “Social Stories”. Anyone can create a Social Story, as long as they include specific elements when creating the Social Story. On a personal level, I found Social Stories quite helpful with my son when trying to describe events, activities, social norms and managing expectations.
Below are free Social Stories from various resources on the internet. I’ve classified them according to categories that children with Autism have difficulty with.
Communication
Eye Contact or Staring (from Watson Institute)
Friendship
How to Talk to My Friends (from Watson Institute)
Playing with Friends (from headstartinclusion.org)
Going to Different Places
Going to the Dentist (from iroqsea.org)
Going to Wendy’s (from speakingofspeech.com)
Behavioural Challenges
Picking My Fingers (from speakingofspeech.com)
What Can I Lick? (from speakingofspeech.com)
Biting (from happylearners.info)
Hitting (from happylearners.info)
Managing Loud Noises (from happylearners.info)
Shouting (fromhappylearners.info)
Spitting (fromhappylearners.info)
School Related Activities
Getting Ready for School in the Morning (from headstartinclusion.org)
How to Use the Bus (from setbc.org)
Doing Schoolwork (from setbc.org)
Toys in the Classroom (from setbc.org)
Walking in the Hall (from setbc.org)
Walking Calmly in the School (from setbc.org)
Storytime (from setbc.org)
Fire Alarm (from esc20.net)
Seatwork (from esc20.net)
Listening to the Teacher (younger children)
Listening to the Teacher (older children)
Quiet Please (from Watson Institute)
Quiet Please (for younger children – from Watson Institute)
Taking Turns at Circle (from headstartinclusion.org)
Getting My Turn to Talk In Class (from headstratinclusion.org)
Summer Vacation (from iroqsea.org)
Winter Break (from iroqsea.org)
Changing for PhysEd (from happylearners.info)
Manners
Eating at the Table (from headstartinclusionorg)
Swearing (from happylearners.info)
No Middle Finger (from speakingofspeech.com)
Table Manners (from speakingofspeech.com)
Safety
Why Do I Have to Wear a Seatbelt?
Staying Safe at Home (from speakingofspeech.com)
Safety Wherever I Go (from CarolGraySocialStories.com)
Teaching About Boundaries
Personal Space (from SPEDVisualSupports)
Social Kiss (from speakingofspeech.com)
No Touching (from speakingofspeech.com)
Keeping Hands to Myself (from speakingofspeech.com)
Emotional Regulation
When I Feel Angry (from fasdtoolkit.weebly.com)
Feeling Angry (from speakingofspeech.com)
Feeling Frustrated (from headstartinclusion.org)
Worrying (from speakingofspeeech.com)
Self-Care
Not Feeling Well (from speakingofspeech.com)
Body Odour (from happy learners.info)
For Advanced Learners
What is a Tragedy? (from CarolGraySocialStories.com)
What Autism Means, And What It Doesn’t Mean (from CarolGraySocialStories.com)