How Social Stories Help Children with Autism & ADHD Manage Emotions

Developed by Carol Gray in 1991, Social Stories have become one of the most widely used and well-researched tools in autism education. But what exactly are they, and how can you use them at home?

What Is a Social Story?

A Social Story is a short, personalised narrative that describes a social situation, the cues involved, and an appropriate response. Written from the child's perspective, they explain the "why" behind social expectations in a clear, non-judgmental way.

Rather than simply telling a child what to do, a Social Story helps them understand the perspective of others — a crucial skill that many children with autism find challenging.

Why They Work

Children with autism often struggle with the hidden curriculum — the unwritten social rules that neurotypical children pick up intuitively. Social Stories make the invisible visible. They present social situations as predictable, logical sequences, which aligns with how many autistic children process information best.

For children with ADHD, Social Stories provide a structured script for emotionally charged situations, helping to reduce impulsive reactions by giving the brain a rehearsed response to draw on.

Writing Your First Social Story

Effective Social Stories follow a simple formula:

1. Descriptive sentences: What is happening and where (e.g., "Sometimes I feel angry at school.")
2. Perspective sentences: What others think or feel (e.g., "My teacher wants me to learn and feel safe.")
3. Directive sentences: What the child can do (e.g., "When I feel angry, I can take three deep breaths.")

The ratio should be roughly 2–5 descriptive/perspective sentences for every 1 directive sentence. Stories should be short, positive, and specific to the child.

Tips for Success

• Use the child's own words and phrases where possible
• Add illustrations or photos relevant to the child
• Read the story regularly, especially before challenging situations
• Let the child help create stories — ownership increases engagement
• Keep the language positive and never use Social Stories as punishment

Need Help Getting Started?

Our therapy team can create bespoke Social Stories as part of a wider behavioural support plan. Get in touch to find out more.