Social Stories: A Special Tool for Parenting in the Tricky Moments!

As parents, we all have a secret toolkit that we carry around with us: distractions, ways of speaking, words we say, maybe even a mini Soreen or a box of raisins… We draw on our invisible tools all day and every day to survive each varied moment, from get up time to bedtime, as smoothly as we can.

For over 30 years, Social Stories have been written to support children with learning difficulties, but with AI being so easy to access now, Social Stories can be created in a few clicks and can be really useful for all children (and even adults!). Why not have a go and add them to your toolkit if you don’t already use them?

What is a Social Story?

Carol Gray introduced Social Stories in 1991 to help improve the social skills of autistic children and adults. The stories describe a social situation and provide steps for how to act in that situation.  As an example, a story might be based on having candles on a birthday cake, explaining that lots of people like to have candles on their birthday cake and they blow out the candles after everyone has sung the Happy Birthday song. The actions might include sitting still while the candles are lit and waiting until the end of the song, then carefully blowing out the candles at the end of the song. More detail can be included, depending on the age and understanding of the person the story is made to support.

With the introduction of AI, it has become much easier to produce Social Stories and in my role as a SENCo, I’ve created them in minutes for a whole host of reasons, for children with and without identified learning needs.  For example, before a school trip, about the need to wear sun cream (this is one I need to create for my own children!), about the structure of a lesson and particular expectations or ways of working. The opportunities are endless!

How can I make one?

There are lots of options when it comes to AI, and you might already be using a version that you know and like. I’ve used Chat GPT really successfully. I asked Chat GPT for bullet point instructions and here they are:

Instructions for Asking Chat GPT to Write a Social Story:

• Specify the topic or situation: Clearly describe the situation the social story should address (e.g., going to the dentist, making a new friend, dealing with frustration).

• Mention the age or developmental level: Let Chat GPT know the age or cognitive level of the person the story is for, so it can use appropriate language.

• Include any specific behaviours or skills to focus on: Indicate what you want the story to teach or reinforce (e.g., staying calm, taking turns, asking for help).

• Request the tone or style: If you have a preference, ask for a tone that is simple, reassuring, and positive.

• Ask for formatting preferences: Mention if you want the story in short sentences, with headings, or separated into sections like "What will happen," "What I can do," and "How I might feel."

You can then copy and paste into a Word document, or even link to Canva to include pictures!

Here are some example prompts:

1.     "Can you write a social story for a 6-year-old about going to the dentist for the first time?"

2.     "Please write a social story to help an 8-year-old understand how to ask a teacher for help when they’re confused."

3.     "I need a short social story for a child with autism about staying calm when plans change."

Points to note:

Spelling: Chat GPT uses American English for spelling so look out for words like behavior/behaviour and practice/practise.

Read before you use: Make sure you read through the text Chat GPT has produced before you use it, as you might need to adapt it to say what you need it to say, and remove anything you don’t like.

Have another go: If you don’t like what you get in the first, go, ask Chat GPT to tweak it!

Here’s an example Social Story:

Going to the Dentist

Sometimes, I go to the dentist to take care of my teeth. The dentist helps keep my teeth clean, healthy, and strong.

Before I go, my grown-up will tell me what day we are going. We might drive or walk to the dentist’s office. That’s okay. I will be safe.

When I get there, I might wait for a little while in the waiting room. There may be books or toys to help me stay calm.

A kind person called a dental assistant might call my name. I will go with them to the special room with a big chair.

The chair can lean back so the dentist can see my teeth better. I will sit still and try to stay calm. I can bring a comfort item if I want.

The dentist will wear a mask and gloves to keep everything clean. They might use small tools to look at my teeth. This might feel funny, but it won’t hurt.

I can open my mouth like a big lion and take deep breaths. The dentist might count my teeth and clean them with a spinning brush. That’s how they get nice and shiny!

When we are done, I can say “thank you” and go home. Taking care of my teeth is important. I am brave and I can do it!

What next?

Once your story is ready, you can choose a good time to share it with your child. Read it to them like a story, in a comfy spot, and answer any questions they have.  If there’s time, revisit it a few times before the event, if preparing for an event.  Add any extra information that crops up as you go.

Did your social story help?

I’d love to hear from you with your success stories! Comment below if you followed the steps above and found a story that worked for your child.

Good luck!