Social stories are short, simple narratives that describe a situation, skill, or concept in terms of relevant social cues and appropriate responses. Originally developed by Carol Gray in 1991 as Social Stories™, they've become one of the most widely used tools in child development.
A social story answers the questions every child has before something new: What will happen? Who will be there? What can I do?
How do social stories work?
Children often struggle with new or unfamiliar situations because they don't know what to expect. A social story bridges that gap by walking them through what will happen, step by step, in a calm and reassuring way.
For example, a social story about visiting the dentist might explain who they'll meet, what the chair looks like, what sounds they might hear, and what they can do if they feel nervous.
The key ingredients of an effective social story:
- Descriptive sentences that explain what will happen
- Perspective sentences that share how others might feel
- Directive sentences that suggest what the child can do
- A reassuring tone throughout the entire story
Who are social stories for?
While social stories were originally developed for children on the autism spectrum, research has shown they benefit all children. Any child facing a new or challenging situation can benefit from a story that helps them understand what's coming.
Parents, teachers, therapists, and caregivers all use social stories to help children with:
- Transitions and new experiences
- Understanding emotions and social cues
- Building daily routines
- Managing anxiety about upcoming events
You don't need a diagnosis or a therapist to use social stories. They're simply a way to help your child feel prepared.
The science behind it
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of social stories in reducing anxiety and improving social understanding in children. The key is personalization, a story works best when the child can see themselves in it.
That's exactly why we built Piko Story. Instead of searching for a generic book that sort-of fits your situation, you can create a personalized preparation story in minutes that speaks directly to your child's experience.