When I first discovered the power of social stories, I was skeptical. Could a few simple sentences and pictures really change behavior? Then I met Olivia, a bright 6-year-old who dreaded going to the doctor. Each visit ended in tears and panic before we even reached the car.

We wrote a social story that explained what happens during a doctor visit—checking height, listening to her heartbeat, getting a sticker afterward—and we practiced reading it together every night. On her next appointment day, Olivia held the storybook tight in her hands. She didn’t cry. She smiled at the nurse. She even said, “I’m brave!”

That’s when I knew: social stories aren’t just about teaching steps or rules. They’re about helping children feel safe, prepared, and understood. In ABA therapy, social stories are one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between learning and real life.

What Are Social Stories in ABA Therapy?

Social stories are short, personalized narratives that explain social situations, behaviors, or routines in clear and positive language. They’re designed to help children with autism and other developmental differences understand expectations, emotions, and appropriate responses in different situations.

The concept was developed by Carol Gray in the 1990s, and it has since become a widely used tool in ABA therapy, special education, and autism social skills programs.

A social story typically:

• Describes the situation (what happens, when, and why)

• Explains the expected behavior

• Offers reassurance about what to do or how to feel

• Ends with a positive outcome or coping statement

For example, a story about visiting the dentist might include:

“When I sit in the dentist chair, I can open my mouth so the dentist can check my teeth. The dentist helps my teeth stay healthy. When it’s all done, I can smile and feel proud of myself.”

Why Social Stories Are So Effective in ABA Therapy

Children with autism often process information best when it’s concrete and predictable. Social situations — with all their subtle cues, emotions, and changes — can feel overwhelming. That’s where social stories help bridge the gap.

They Create Predictability and Reduce Anxiety

When children know what to expect, their anxiety decreases. Social stories lay out the sequence of events step by step. Whether it’s going to school, visiting the doctor, or trying a new activity, the story helps them visualize the experience ahead of time.

They Support Social Understanding

Many of the children I work with have difficulty understanding others’ perspectives or recognizing social cues. Social stories break down those abstract concepts into simple, concrete language. Instead of saying “Be nice to friends,” the story might say, “When my friend wants a turn, I can wait. This helps us both have fun.”

They Encourage Independence

A well-written social story empowers the child to handle situations more confidently. Over time, I’ve seen children pull out their own storybooks before challenging moments — using them as tools for self-regulation rather than relying on adult prompts.

They Promote Generalization

Because social stories can be revisited anytime, they help children generalize learned behaviors across different environments — home, school, or community settings. That consistency supports long-term success, which is a key goal in ABA therapy.

When to Use Social Stories

Social stories can be used in almost any situation that’s confusing, emotional, or new for a child. Some common uses include:

• Transitions between activities or settings

• Sharing, turn-taking, and waiting

• Going to new places (school, dentist, grocery store)

• Using appropriate greetings

• Coping with loud noises or crowded spaces

• Handling emotions (anger, frustration, disappointment)

• Following daily routines (morning, bedtime, mealtime)

For example, I once worked with a child who was terrified of fire drills at school. We created a story with pictures of the school hallway, the alarm, and classmates walking calmly outside. We practiced reading it several times a week. When the next drill happened, she covered her ears but followed the class outside — calm and prepared.

How to Create and Use Social Stories at Home

You don’t need special training to write an effective social story — just a bit of guidance and creativity.

Keep It Simple and Positive

Use short sentences and focus on what your child can do. Avoid negative phrasing like “Don’t scream.” Instead, say, “I can take deep breaths when I feel upset.”

Use Real Photos or Illustrations

Children respond best to familiar images. If possible, use pictures of your child, their classroom, or actual objects they’ll encounter. Visuals make the story more meaningful.

Personalize It

Include your child’s name and details about their environment. “When Ethan goes to school, he puts his backpack in his cubby.” Personalization makes it feel real and relatable.

Read It Regularly

Repetition helps the story become part of your child’s routine. Read it daily, before challenging situations, or whenever anxiety arises.

Reinforce What’s Learned

After the real-life situation happens, revisit the story and celebrate success. “You followed your story at the dentist! You did great staying calm.”

Social Stories and ABA: Working Together

In ABA therapy, social stories are often paired with behavioral strategies like positive reinforcement, visual supports, and modeling. The therapist and family collaborate to identify target behaviors, then create stories that support those goals.

For example:

• A BCBA might write a story about using words to request a break instead of crying.

• A parent might use that story at home, reinforcing each successful attempt with praise or a preferred activity.

This teamwork between families and ABA professionals ensures that learning extends beyond the therapy session — and that the child experiences consistency across all environments.

A Final Thought

Social stories remind me that sometimes, progress begins with understanding — not pressure. When a child feels safe and knows what to expect, they’re more open to learning. I’ve seen children go from meltdown to mastery simply because a few pages helped them make sense of their world.

At Blossom ABA Therapy, we help families use tools like social stories to build confidence, independence, and social understanding. Whether through

• Home-based ABA,

• Center-based ABA, or

• School-based ABA,

our goal is to make learning feel natural and rewarding for every child.

We proudly serve families across Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina.

Reach out to Blossom ABA Therapy to learn how we can help your child grow through structured, compassionate, and creative ABA therapy.

FAQs 

What is a social story in ABA therapy?

A social story is a short, personalized narrative that helps children with autism understand social situations, routines, or emotions in a clear and positive way.

How do social stories help children with autism?

They teach social understanding by explaining what to expect and how to respond. This reduces anxiety, improves communication, and promotes independence.

Can parents use social stories at home?

Absolutely! Parents can create simple, personalized stories with photos and short sentences to help their child handle everyday challenges more confidently.

Sources:

• https://www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/your-place/cheshire-east/neurodiversity-support-pathway/social-stories/

• https://carolgraysocialstories.com/

• https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/autism-know-how/training/enhance-your-autism-knowledge-and-practice/social-stories

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK338473/

• https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/services/child-development-and-neurodisability/autism-home/autism-support/social-stories/