Social Stories for Kids with Autism (Ages 4-7)

Social stories are powerful tools that help children with autism understand social situations and expectations. Created by Carol Gray, these short stories present social information in a structured, predictable format that makes social concepts easier to understand and remember.

For children ages 4-7, social stories serve as gentle guides through the complex world of social interactions. They help young learners understand what to expect in different situations and provide clear examples of appropriate responses and behaviors.

Story 1: Meeting New Friends

When I see a new friend, I feel happy. A new friend is someone I can play with.

I look at the new friend’s face. They have eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Their eyes might be big or small. Their hair might be long or short.

I say, “Hello!” with a smile. Smiling means I am friendly.

The new friend might say, “Hello!” back. We can say our names.

I say, “My name is __.” The new friend says their name.

I can ask, “Do you want to play?”

The new friend might say “Yes.” Then we play together.

If the new friend says “No,” that is okay. I can find someone else to play with.

Meeting new friends is fun!

Story 2: Taking Turns

When I play with friends, we take turns. Taking turns means waiting for my turn to play.

I watch the game or toy. I see the friend playing now. I wait quietly.

I take a deep breath. I can count to five in my head. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

When it is my turn, the friend will say, “Your turn!”

I smile and say, “Thank you!”

I play for a little while. Then I say, “Your turn!” to my friend.

Taking turns helps everyone have fun.

Story 3: Using Words to Ask for Help

Sometimes, I need help. It is okay to ask for help.

I look at a grown-up or friend. I say, “Please help me.”

If I don’t know what to say, I can point to the thing I need help with.

The grown-up might say, “What do you need?”

I can say the word, or show the picture, or use my hands to tell.

When I get help, I say, “Thank you.”

Using words to ask for help is a good way to solve problems.

Story 4: Waiting Patiently

Waiting is sometimes hard. When I wait, I stay calm.

I sit or stand quietly. I watch the people around me.

I can look at my hands or take deep breaths.

I count slowly in my head. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

When it is my turn, someone will tell me.

Waiting patiently helps me feel happy and safe.

Story 5: Sharing Toys

When I play with toys, I can share with friends.

Sharing means I let others use my toys.

I hold the toy and say, “You can play with this.”

My friend smiles and says, “Thank you.”

Sometimes I want the toy back after a little while.

I say, “My turn now,” and take the toy gently.

Sharing toys helps us be kind friends.

Story 6: Playing Quietly

Sometimes I need to play quietly.

Quiet play means using soft voices or no voices.

I can play with puzzles, blocks, or books.

I use my hands gently.

If I want to talk, I whisper.

Playing quietly helps others listen and learn.

Story 7: Feeling Angry and What to Do

Sometimes I feel angry.

My face might feel hot. My hands might clench.

I can take a deep breath.

I count to five slowly. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

I can tell a grown-up, “I feel angry.”

I can go to a quiet place to calm down.

When I feel calm, I can try again.

It is okay to feel angry, but I use kind actions.

Story 8: Listening to the Teacher

When I am at school, I listen to my teacher.

The teacher talks with a kind voice.

I look at the teacher’s face. I see their eyes and mouth moving.

I stay quiet and still.

If I don’t understand, I can raise my hand and ask.

Listening helps me learn new things.

Story 9: Trying New Foods

Sometimes I see food I don’t know.

Trying new foods can be fun!

I look at the food’s color and shape.

I smell the food.

I take a small bite.

If I like it, I smile and eat more.

If I don’t like it, that is okay too.

Trying new foods helps my body grow strong.

Story 10: Saying Goodbye

When I leave a place or a friend, I say goodbye.

I look at the person and smile.

I say, “Goodbye! See you later!”

Sometimes I wave my hand.

Saying goodbye is nice.

I will see my friends again soon.

Using These Social Stories Effectively

Reading Tips for Parents and Caregivers

**Read regularly:** Social stories work best when read frequently, not just when problems occur. Read them during calm, relaxed times.

**Personalize the stories:** Replace generic pronouns with your child’s name to make the stories more relevant and engaging.

**Use visuals:** Add pictures or drawings to illustrate key concepts, especially for visual learners.

**Practice together:** After reading, practice the behaviors described in the story through role-play or real-life situations.

When to Use Social Stories

Social stories are most effective when used:

– Before a new or challenging situation – As part of a regular routine (daily or weekly reading) – When teaching specific social skills – To prepare for changes in routine or environment – To reinforce positive behaviors

Creating Your Own Social Stories

You can create personalized social stories for your child’s specific needs by following these guidelines:

**Use simple language:** Keep sentences short and vocabulary age-appropriate.

**Focus on one concept:** Each story should address a single social situation or skill.

**Include positive language:** Frame behaviors in terms of what TO do, rather than what NOT to do.

**Make it relevant:** Use situations and settings familiar to your child.

Benefits of Social Stories for Young Children with Autism

Social stories offer numerous benefits for children with autism ages 4-7:

**Reduced anxiety:** By knowing what to expect, children feel more secure in social situations.

**Improved social understanding:** Stories break down complex social concepts into manageable pieces.

**Enhanced communication skills:** Children learn appropriate ways to express their needs and interact with others.

**Increased independence:** Understanding social expectations helps children navigate situations more independently.

**Better emotional regulation:** Stories provide strategies for managing difficult emotions and situations.

Conclusion

Social stories are valuable tools that help young children with autism develop essential social skills and navigate their world with greater confidence. These ten stories provide a foundation for common social situations that children encounter daily.

Remember that every child is unique, and what works for one child may need adjustment for another. Use these stories as starting points, and don’t hesitate to modify them to better suit your child’s specific needs, interests, and developmental level.

With consistent use and patience, social stories can help children with autism build the social skills they need to form friendships, communicate effectively, and participate successfully in their communities.