5 Best Social Stories for Kids With Autism

For many kids with autism, social situations can be confusing, like a puzzle that’s hard to solve. Simple things like talking to a friend or waiting for a turn can feel tricky.

Kids with autism may not always understand body language or how others feel. About 1 in 54 kids have autism, and many find social situations hard. What’s easy for others can be overwhelming for them.

Social Stories for Kids With Autism can help. They explain what will happen and what to do, step by step. It’s like giving kids a simple guide for tricky situations. Social stories can help them feel more confident and make things easier to understand.

What Are Social Stories?

Social Stories are short stories that explain social situations and how to act. They were created by Carol Gray in 1991 to help kids learn about social behavior.

Purpose

• To help kids with autism understand what to expect and how to behave in different situations.
• To reduce worry about new things (like going to the doctor or starting school).
• To help kids feel more confident.
• To teach what is okay and not okay to do in different situations.

Key Features

• Use simple language that’s easy to understand.
• Often have pictures to make it clearer.
• Focus on the who, what, where, when, and why of the situation.
• Written in a simple, first-person way.
• Show what good behavior looks like.
• Can be made for each child’s needs.
• Help kids know what will happen next, so they feel ready.

Social Stories for Kids with Autism

Looking for a way to help kids with autism understand social situations better? Social stories might be the key to making things clearer and more manageable!

Making Friends

Introduction

It was the first day of school, and Alex was feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He had just moved to a new town with his family, and this was his first time at his new school. He was walking through the school’s front door, feeling the cool air of the hallway on his face. The walls were decorated with colorful posters and the smell of fresh paint lingered in the air. Even though the building looked nice, everything else was unfamiliar—especially the children.

As Alex entered his new classroom, his eyes immediately darted to the other kids. They were already in little groups, talking, laughing, and playing together. I wonder if I will fit in, Alex thought. What if no one wants to be my friend?

His teacher, Mrs. Lee, smiled warmly at him from the front of the room. “Welcome, Alex! I’m so glad you’re here. Don’t worry, you’re going to have a great time.”

Alex nodded but felt his stomach flutter. He didn’t know anyone. He didn’t even know where to sit. His parents had always told him that making friends was easy, but standing in the middle of the room, feeling all the eyes on him, it didn’t feel so easy.

What should I do? he wondered. He looked around, but no one seemed to notice that he was standing alone. His new classmates were busy with their activities. Alex’s feet felt heavy, as if they were glued to the floor.

“Hey, Alex! Over here!” It was Ben, a boy sitting at one of the tables in the corner of the room, waving him over.

Alex’s heart skipped a beat. He had been so focused on his nervousness that he hadn’t even seen Ben before. The invitation felt like a lifeline. Slowly, Alex walked over to Ben, who was smiling widely.

“Hi! I’m Ben,” the boy said. “You’re new here, right? I just moved here last year, so I know what it feels like.”

“I’m Alex,” Alex replied, still feeling unsure of what to say next.

Ben noticed Alex’s hesitation. “Don’t worry, it’s okay. I used to feel the same way on my first day. Want to play with my robot?” Ben asked, holding up a small toy robot that beeped and whirred when he pressed a button.

Alex blinked. He loved robots. He had one at home—a shiny red robot that could talk and spin around. His eyes brightened. “I love robots!” he said. “I have one just like that, but mine is red.”

Ben’s face lit up. “Really? That’s awesome! Do you want to play with mine? I’m trying to see how fast it can spin.”

This is it. Maybe I can make a friend, Alex thought as he sat down next to Ben. He took a deep breath. Okay, just be yourself, Alex. This is how friendships start.

The Problem

As Alex joined Ben at the table, the other children in the class continued playing in their own groups. Some were building with blocks, others were coloring in books. The sound of laughter and voices filled the room, but Alex couldn’t stop thinking about how it felt to be new.

Ben pressed the button on the robot again, and it whizzed across the table, spinning and beeping. Alex watched in awe. It’s so cool!

But as much as Alex enjoyed playing with the robot, a worry crept into his mind. What if Ben gets tired of me? What if he doesn’t want to be my friend anymore? Alex’s hands fidgeted on the table. He wanted to talk to Ben more, but the words didn’t come out easily.

Just then, Ben spoke up. “Hey, want to build a fort with the blocks? It’s fun when you make a big one and pretend it’s a castle.”

Alex hesitated. He wasn’t sure how to join in. He had seen the other kids building their forts, and they seemed so confident. What if I mess it up? What if I don’t know what to do?

Ben noticed Alex’s pause. “You can help me build the walls. We’ll make it the biggest one ever. And we can pretend we’re knights protecting a treasure.”

Alex smiled. Knights! I love pretending to be a knight. He nodded, feeling a little better. “Okay, I’ll help.”

They began stacking blocks together. As they worked, Alex noticed that it wasn’t so scary after all. It felt nice to talk to someone who was patient and kind, even though they had just met. The more they built, the more Alex felt like maybe—just maybe—he could make a friend here.

But there was still a part of him that wasn’t completely sure. What if Ben gets tired of me? What if the other kids don’t want to play with me?

What Happens Next

As the day went on, Alex and Ben continued to build their fort. Slowly, more children came over and joined in. Lily, a girl with bright pink glasses, came over and asked, “Can I help too? I love building castles!”

“Sure!” Ben said enthusiastically. “The more the merrier!”

Alex smiled, feeling a sense of relief. This isn’t so bad. I’m not alone anymore. Together, they built a large structure out of blocks, stacking them higher and higher, until the fort was so big they could all fit inside.

As they played, Alex began to talk more. He told Ben and Lily about his favorite things at home, like his toy cars and the games he played with his little brother. Ben shared that he liked playing video games and reading comic books. Lily said she liked drawing and riding her bike.

Alex was starting to feel more comfortable, and he was having fun. The fort was growing, and so was his confidence. For the first time that day, Alex felt like he was part of something. I’m really making friends, he thought with a smile.

Then, something unexpected happened. A few of the other kids who had been playing at the other tables came over. “Wow, that fort looks awesome!” said Tom, a boy with curly hair. “Can I play too?”

“Of course!” Alex said, glad that the fort was big enough for everyone. “We’re all friends here.”

As more children joined in, Alex felt a warm sense of happiness spread through him. The walls of the fort became taller and taller, and soon it was big enough for everyone to sit inside. They all took turns telling stories and pretending they were knights defending their castle from dragons.

For the first time that day, Alex felt like he was exactly where he needed to be. I made new friends today. I’m not scared anymore.

The Solution

By lunchtime, Alex had made more new friends than he had expected. He sat with Ben, Lily, and a few other kids in the cafeteria. They shared their lunches and talked about their favorite things. Ben asked Alex if he wanted to come over to his house after school to play with robots and video games. Alex’s heart swelled with excitement. I have a new friend!

The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter and fun. Alex played games, shared stories, and learned more about the other kids in the class. By the time the bell rang for the end of the school day, Alex felt like he had been part of something bigger than just a group of kids playing. He felt like he was truly part of a team—a group of friends.

Mrs. Lee smiled at the class as they packed their things. “I am so proud of all of you. Today, you worked together, you shared, and you made new friends. That’s what school is all about.”

As Alex walked out of the classroom that afternoon, he could hardly wait to tell his mom all about his new friends. She was waiting for him outside with a big smile.

“How was your day?” she asked.

“It was amazing!” Alex said, his eyes shining. “I made friends with Ben, Lily, and even some of the other kids. We built a huge fort, and I’m going to Ben’s house after school tomorrow to play with his robots.”

His mom hugged him tightly. “I’m so proud of you, Alex. I knew you could do it.”

The Resolution

That night, as Alex lay in bed, he thought about everything that had happened that day. He had started off feeling nervous and unsure, but by the end of the day, he had made friends and had fun.

The next day, when Alex woke up, he was excited. He couldn’t wait to go back to school and see his new friends again. He knew that making friends wasn’t always easy, but now he understood that it didn’t have to be scary.

All it took was being brave, saying “hello,” and sharing something that made him happy—like his love for robots and pretend play. And soon, Alex realized that making friends was something he could do every day.

He didn’t have to worry anymore. He knew that as long as he stayed kind and open, he could always find new friends wherever he went.

Sharing Toys

Introduction

Sarah loved her toy car. It was a bright yellow car with shiny wheels that spun perfectly. She had received it as a birthday present from her grandparents, and it quickly became her favorite toy. She spent hours racing it around her bedroom, imagining it zooming through an exciting race, swerving through traffic, and jumping over ramps. The car made her feel like a race car driver, and it was the one toy she would never let anyone touch.

But today, something felt different. Sarah’s best friend, Lily, was coming over to play. Lily had always loved Sarah’s toys, especially the yellow car. She would always ask if she could play with it, and Sarah always said, “No, it’s my favorite toy!” But today, Sarah wondered if maybe it would be okay to share it with Lily. After all, she’s my best friend, Sarah thought. Maybe we could take turns.

Sarah’s mom had often talked to her about sharing. “Sharing is caring,” her mom would say. “It’s important to let others enjoy the things you love, too. It helps you build strong friendships.”

But sharing was hard. Sarah was worried that Lily might take the car and play with it for too long, or even break it. What if she doesn’t give it back? Sarah’s stomach twisted with worry as she looked at the shiny yellow car sitting on the floor.

Today, Sarah had to decide—should she keep the car all to herself or try sharing it with Lily?

The Problem

The doorbell rang, and Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. Lily was here. Sarah rushed to the door, opening it to see her best friend standing with a big smile.

“Hi, Sarah!” Lily said, holding up a small bag. “I brought some toys over! We can play with them together!”

Sarah smiled back, but her eyes drifted to the yellow car on the floor. It looked so perfect, so shiny, sitting there waiting for her to play with. What if I share it with Lily and she doesn’t give it back? What if something happens to it? Sarah thought.

Lily stepped inside and immediately noticed the yellow car. “Oh wow, Sarah! That’s the car you always talk about! It’s even cooler than I imagined. Can I play with it?”

Sarah’s stomach tightened. She had been waiting for this moment all day—the moment when Lily would ask to play with her car. Now that it was happening, she wasn’t sure what to do. She could feel her fingers gripping the car, as if trying to hold onto it forever.

But I promised Mom I’d share, Sarah thought. She says sharing helps make our friendship stronger…

Lily stood there, waiting, her big eyes full of excitement. “Can I, Sarah? Please?”

For a moment, Sarah just stood there, unsure. She loved the car so much that it was hard to imagine sharing it. But she also loved Lily, and they had been friends for a long time. Sharing could be a way to show her friend that she cared.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Sarah sighed and said, “Okay, you can play with it. But only for a little while, okay?”

Lily’s face lit up. “Yay! Thanks, Sarah! I promise I’ll be careful with it.”

Sarah felt a small spark of happiness. I’m sharing, she thought. I’m being a good friend.

What Happens Next

They started playing with the car together. At first, everything felt fine. Sarah and Lily took turns making the car race around the room. Sarah pushed the car forward, and Lily would follow it with her own imaginary racecar, pretending to be the announcer, calling out the names of the racers.

“Here comes Sarah’s car, speeding down the track! Will Lily’s car catch up?” Lily said, in a dramatic voice.

Sarah giggled. This is fun, she thought. It feels good to share.

But as they played, Sarah began to feel a little uneasy. Lily was making the car go faster and faster. Sarah watched as Lily sent the car racing across the room, over the ramp that Sarah had built. It flew through the air, landing on the floor with a loud thud.

“Oh no!” Sarah cried. “Is it okay? Did it break?”

Lily looked down at the car, her eyes wide. “I’m so sorry, Sarah! I didn’t mean to make it go that fast. It’s not broken, right?”

Sarah picked up the car and checked it carefully. It didn’t seem to be broken, but she was still worried. What if the wheels get loose? What if something happens to it? The yellow car had always been so perfect, and now, after sharing it, Sarah wasn’t so sure anymore.

“I… I don’t want it to break,” Sarah said quietly. “Maybe we should stop playing with it.”

Lily’s face fell. “But I was having so much fun! Please, can we keep playing with it? I’ll be careful, I promise.”

Sarah thought about it for a moment. She looked at the car, then at her friend’s face. She didn’t want to spoil the fun, but the thought of something happening to her favorite toy made her nervous. She had never shared it with anyone before, and now she wasn’t sure if she was ready to let go of it completely.

“I… I don’t know,” Sarah said, her voice shaking a little. “I just don’t want it to get ruined.”

Lily nodded, her expression apologetic. “I understand, Sarah. I’m really sorry. I’ll be more careful, okay?”

For a moment, they both stood there, looking at the car. Then, Sarah took a deep breath. Maybe I can still have fun without worrying so much, she thought. I’ll just ask Lily to be careful and remember that sharing is supposed to be fun.

“Okay,” Sarah said, her voice a little more steady now. “We can keep playing. But let’s take turns and be careful with it, okay?”

Lily smiled brightly. “Thank you, Sarah! I promise I’ll be careful.”

And so, they played together again. This time, Sarah felt a little less anxious. They raced the car around the room, took turns, and even made up new games with it. Sarah was still protective of her car, but she felt good knowing that sharing it with Lily had made their playtime even more enjoyable.

The Solution

As they played, Sarah realized something important. Sharing wasn’t just about giving something away—it was about building trust and enjoying time together. The car wasn’t just a toy anymore. It was a way for her and Lily to bond, to laugh, and to create new memories.

Sarah still felt a little worried about the car, but she was beginning to understand that being with her friend was more important than keeping her toy all to herself. She could always take care of the car later, but right now, she was having fun. And that was what mattered.

As the afternoon went on, Sarah’s worries faded. The two girls had a blast racing their cars, pretending they were in a big race, and even creating a whole story about the car’s adventures. Sarah was amazed at how much more fun she had when she shared. It wasn’t as scary as she thought.

Eventually, Lily handed the car back to Sarah. “Thanks for letting me play with it, Sarah. I had so much fun!” she said, giving Sarah a big hug.

Sarah smiled. “I had fun too. Thanks for being careful with it.”

“I’ll always be careful,” Lily promised. “And you’re the best friend ever.”

Sarah’s heart swelled. She knew that sharing wasn’t always easy, but now she understood why it was so important. Sharing brought them closer together, and it made their time more enjoyable. She had learned that giving a little of what you love to someone else doesn’t mean losing it—it just means making space for something even better: a stronger friendship.

The Resolution

The next day, when Sarah’s mom asked her about sharing, Sarah smiled and said, “It’s not as hard as I thought. It’s fun when you share with your friends. And even if something goes wrong, it’s okay. It’s the fun and the friendship that really matter.”

Sarah had learned that sharing wasn’t just about giving up something you loved—it was about showing kindness, building trust, and creating memories with others. And from now on, Sarah knew that when she shared, she was making her friendship stronger and better. And that, to her, was the greatest gift of all.

Taking Turns

Introduction

Emma had just gotten a new puzzle. It was a big one, with colorful pieces and a picture of a beautiful rainbow over a mountain range. Emma was so excited when her mom brought it home from the store. She couldn’t wait to start putting it together.

“Look, Mom! It’s so pretty! I can’t wait to finish it!” Emma exclaimed, spreading the pieces out across the table.

Her mom smiled at her excitement. “It’s a big puzzle, Emma. You’re going to need patience to finish it. And don’t forget—sometimes it’s fun to work on things with other people.”

“I can do it by myself!” Emma said proudly, picking up a piece. She loved puzzles, and she was very good at them. She had done a few small ones before, but this was the biggest one she had ever seen. She couldn’t wait to finish it all on her own.

But then, her little brother, Noah, came into the room. “Can I play, Emma?” he asked, holding up a small piece of the puzzle. “I want to help!”

Emma’s heart sank. I don’t want to share the puzzle, she thought. It’s mine, and I want to do it by myself. She loved spending time alone with her puzzle, fitting the pieces together, and imagining what the final picture would look like. Noah was still little, and he didn’t always understand how puzzles worked. He might mess it up or take too long.

“Noah, you can’t help me,” Emma said firmly, shaking her head. “It’s my puzzle, and I want to do it alone.”

Noah’s face fell, and he looked down at the floor. “But I want to play too. I like puzzles.”

Emma felt a little bad, but she didn’t want to share. She picked up another piece and tried to fit it into the puzzle, avoiding Noah’s eyes. She really liked working alone on her puzzle—it was her time to concentrate and focus.

But as she worked, Emma started to feel a little lonely. It was just her and the puzzle pieces. She missed playing with Noah, even though she didn’t want to admit it.

The Problem

As the afternoon passed, Emma made good progress on the puzzle, but she still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. Noah kept glancing at her, sitting quietly in the corner of the room. He wasn’t crying or whining, but his eyes were full of longing. He wanted to help.

After a while, Noah came up to Emma again. “Please, Emma? Just one turn?” he asked, holding up a puzzle piece. “I’ll be really careful. I promise.”

Emma felt torn. She could see how much Noah wanted to help. I don’t want him to mess it up, Emma thought, clutching another piece tightly. But I also don’t want him to be sad. He’s my little brother.

She paused and looked at the puzzle. She was almost done with the top half, but the puzzle was still far from complete. Maybe… maybe I could let him take one turn, she thought. Just one. I’ll help him find the right piece and then finish it by myself.

With a deep sigh, Emma said, “Okay, fine. You can help, but just for one turn.”

Noah’s face lit up. “Thanks, Emma!” He rushed over to her side, holding up the piece he had picked.

Emma felt a little nervous, but she quickly found the right spot for Noah’s piece and guided his hand to place it in the puzzle. It fit perfectly.

“There! You did it!” Emma said, smiling. “Good job, Noah!”

Noah beamed with pride. “I did it! Yay!” he shouted, clapping his hands.

Emma smiled, feeling a little proud too. Okay, that wasn’t so bad, she thought. Maybe sharing isn’t the worst thing in the world.

But even though Noah’s turn was over, Emma couldn’t help but feel a little frustrated. She had to admit that letting Noah take a turn had slowed her down, and she was eager to finish the puzzle by herself. I just want to finish it. I’m so close, Emma thought, glancing at the puzzle. But as she looked at the half-completed image, something inside her told her that it wasn’t just about finishing quickly—it was about having fun and sharing the moment with Noah.

What Happens Next

As Emma continued working on the puzzle, Noah didn’t leave her side. He sat quietly, watching her every move. Every now and then, he would ask if he could help again, but Emma shook her head.

“No, Noah,” Emma said firmly. “This is my puzzle. You already had your turn.”

Noah nodded, but his eyes stayed fixed on the puzzle. He wanted so badly to help. Finally, he stood up and walked to the other side of the room, where his toys were scattered across the floor. He picked up a toy truck and started playing by himself.

Emma glanced at Noah from the corner of her eye. She felt guilty. She had let him help once, but she could tell that he still wanted to be a part of what she was doing. She had to admit that it would be more fun if they worked on it together.

Taking a deep breath, Emma decided to try something different. She put the puzzle piece down and stood up. “Noah,” she said, walking over to where he was playing. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have made you feel left out. Want to help me finish the puzzle together?”

Noah’s eyes lit up, and he smiled. “Really? You mean it?”

Emma nodded. “Yeah, let’s do it together. We can take turns. I’ll find the pieces, and you can put them in the puzzle.”

Noah jumped up excitedly and ran to her side. “Okay! I’ll help! I’m really good at puzzles!”

Emma smiled and started picking out the pieces. This time, instead of feeling frustrated, she felt happy. Working together was fun, and Noah was good at finding the right pieces. They laughed and talked as they worked side by side, each taking turns putting pieces in their place.

With every piece that fit, Emma felt a warm feeling of satisfaction. The puzzle was getting closer and closer to being complete, but this time, she wasn’t focused on finishing quickly. She was focused on enjoying the process—and the company of her little brother.

The Solution

As the final pieces of the puzzle came together, Emma and Noah looked at the beautiful picture of the rainbow and the mountains. The puzzle was complete, and both of them had helped make it happen. Emma felt a sense of pride—not just in finishing the puzzle, but in sharing the experience with Noah.

“You did a great job, Noah!” Emma said, giving her brother a high-five. “We finished it together!”

Noah grinned. “We did! I’m glad you let me help, Emma.”

“I’m glad too,” Emma replied. “It was way more fun when we worked on it together.”

They sat back and looked at the puzzle they had just completed. The colors of the rainbow seemed even brighter now that they had worked together to put them in place. Emma realized that sometimes, it wasn’t about doing everything alone. Sometimes, it was better to take turns and share the work, because it made the results even more rewarding.

The Resolution

That night, as Emma climbed into bed, she thought about everything that had happened. She had started out wanting to finish the puzzle by herself, but by sharing the experience with Noah, she had learned something important: Taking turns isn’t just about giving up your time—it’s about making memories together.

The next day, when Emma’s mom asked how the puzzle had gone, Emma smiled and said, “It was great! Noah and I worked together to finish it, and it was so much fun. I’m glad I let him help me.”

Her mom nodded, smiling. “I’m proud of you for taking turns and sharing the work, Emma. That’s what makes teamwork so special.”

Emma felt proud too. She had learned that taking turns wasn’t about losing out on something—it was about gaining something better: the joy of sharing, the fun of working together, and the bond that grew stronger when you cooperated with others.

Waiting Your Turn

Introduction

Max loved the playground. It was his favorite place in the whole world. The swings, the slide, the merry-go-round, and especially the big jungle gym—everything about the playground was exciting to Max. He loved climbing up the ladders, running across the bridges, and zooming down the slide. But there was one thing that Max didn’t like about the playground: waiting his turn.

It wasn’t that Max was rude or impatient by nature—he just had a hard time understanding why he couldn’t play with everything right away. The other kids would take turns, and Max would have to wait. Sometimes it felt like the waiting lasted forever. When he wanted to go on the swings or use the slide, it felt like the other kids were taking too long. His heart would race, his stomach would feel tight, and his mind would start to spiral with impatience. He didn’t like feeling this way, but it was hard to control.

Today was one of those days. Max was standing near the swings, looking longingly at the empty seat, wishing he could jump right in and start swinging. But there was a line of other kids waiting for their turn. One by one, they got on the swing, pumped their legs, and then got off, only to be replaced by another child. Max tapped his foot, watching every second go by. Come on, he thought. When will it be my turn?

Max had been waiting for what felt like forever. Finally, the swing that he had been eyeing for so long was empty. He took a deep breath and walked toward it, his heart pounding with excitement. But just as he reached for the swing, another kid, Emily, stepped in front of him.

“I was next,” Emily said with a gentle but firm voice. “I’ve been waiting too.”

Max froze. For a moment, he felt confused. What? I was waiting too! he thought. Why does she get to go first?

Emily smiled kindly, holding onto the swing. “I was waiting in line. You have to wait your turn.”

Max didn’t want to wait any longer. He really wanted to swing. He opened his mouth to say something, but then he remembered what his mom had told him. “Max, waiting your turn is important. It’s how we share and play with others. If everyone takes their turn, everyone gets a chance to have fun.”

Max closed his mouth, feeling disappointed but also trying to remember what his mom had said. Okay, he thought, trying to calm himself. I’ll just wait my turn like everyone else.

The Problem

As Emily started to swing, Max crossed his arms and stood at the side. His foot tapped faster and faster, and he started bouncing up and down. I want to go now, he thought impatiently. Why does she get to go before me?

Max could see how much fun Emily was having on the swing. She was going higher and higher, laughing and smiling as she pumped her legs. Max felt a little jealous. I want to go that high! I want to have fun too!

But Max knew that if he interrupted her turn, he would be breaking the rule. He had seen it happen before, where kids pushed each other to get their turn first, and it never ended well. Sometimes they got into arguments, and the fun stopped for everyone. Max didn’t want that to happen, so he stayed quiet.

Emily swung back and forth, and Max waited. The seconds turned into minutes, and Max started to feel the impatience building up again. He wanted to go, and he wanted to go NOW.

Just then, another child, Jonah, came up and stood next to Max. “Is she almost done?” Jonah asked, pointing to Emily.

Max nodded, his foot still tapping. “Yeah, I think she’s almost done.”

Jonah sighed and looked over at the other swings. “I want to go on those too. But there’s always a line. Why do we have to wait? It’s so annoying.”

Max felt the same way. “I know, right? I don’t want to wait anymore. I want to go now!”

Jonah smiled knowingly. “Maybe we could just take a turn without waiting. Everyone else is too slow anyway.”

Max’s heart skipped a beat. The idea of skipping the line seemed tempting. What if no one notices? What if we just take turns?

But then, Max remembered his mom’s voice in his head. “If everyone waits their turn, everyone gets a chance to play.” It was a simple rule, but it made sense. If he pushed ahead of Emily, he would be taking away someone else’s chance to play too. And that wouldn’t be fair.

“I don’t think we should,” Max said, shaking his head. “It’s not fair if we skip the line. I’m going to wait my turn.”

Jonah looked disappointed but didn’t argue. He just stood quietly beside Max and watched Emily swing.

What Happens Next

After what felt like forever, Emily finally jumped off the swing. “Okay, Max, it’s your turn now!” she said with a smile.

Max’s heart leapt. Finally! he thought, stepping forward. As he sat down on the swing, he felt a huge wave of excitement rush through him. He grabbed the ropes tightly and started pumping his legs.

As he swung higher and higher, the wind rushed through his hair, and he felt a sense of freedom. This is so much fun, he thought, smiling. This is worth the wait.

Max pumped his legs even harder, trying to go higher. He loved the feeling of the swing lifting him into the air. With every push, he felt more and more energized. The frustration from waiting slowly melted away, and all that mattered was the joy of swinging.

Jonah, who had been waiting for his turn too, was now standing next to the swings, looking up at Max. “Wow, Max, you’re going so high!” he called out.

Max smiled back. “Yeah! It’s awesome! You’ll get your turn soon too.”

Jonah nodded, looking at the swings with anticipation. “I can’t wait.”

After a few more minutes, Max slowed down the swing and gently came to a stop. He jumped off and turned to Jonah. “Okay, your turn! It’s been a while, and I promised I’d let you go next.”

Jonah grinned. “Thanks, Max! You’re a good friend.”

Max smiled back, feeling proud of himself. He had waited his turn, and now Jonah was getting a chance to swing, just like he had. Max had learned that sometimes, waiting was the best way to enjoy something, and that by waiting, he made sure everyone had a chance to have fun.

The Solution

The day went on, and Max played with his friends, taking turns on the swings, the slide, and the jungle gym. He found that when he waited his turn, the games were more fun. He wasn’t worried about rushing through to get to the next thing, because he knew that everyone was sharing the time and space, and that made the experience even better.

As the sun began to set, Max’s mom called out, “Time to go home, Max!”

Max looked at the playground one last time. He had spent the whole afternoon playing with his friends, taking turns, and having fun. And even though there had been moments when he didn’t want to wait, he now understood something important.

“Bye, everyone!” Max called to his friends, waving as he walked toward his mom.

“Bye, Max! See you tomorrow!” his friends shouted back.

As Max got into the car, his mom asked, “Did you have fun today?”

Max nodded, his face lighting up. “Yeah, I did! I waited my turn, and it was so much fun. It wasn’t so bad after all.”

His mom smiled at him in the rearview mirror. “I’m glad to hear that, Max. Waiting your turn isn’t always easy, but it’s how we make sure everyone gets a chance to play.”

Max nodded, thinking about the afternoon. I’m glad I waited, he thought. It made the day even better.

What to Do When I Feel Angry

Introduction

One sunny afternoon, Jack was playing with his favorite toys at the park. He had a toy airplane, a red race car, and his new toy robot that could move on its own. Jack loved playing with his toys outside, especially when the weather was nice and warm. Today, he was feeling extra happy because he had brought his new toy robot, which could dance and make funny sounds.

But then, something unexpected happened. Jack’s best friend, Liam, came over to join him. Jack was excited to see him, but when Liam asked if he could play with the robot, Jack didn’t know what to say.

“No! It’s my robot,” Jack snapped before Liam even had a chance to touch it. “I don’t want you to play with it. I’m having fun with it by myself!”

Liam stepped back, looking surprised. He had never seen Jack act this way before. Jack wasn’t usually mean, but something about the way Liam looked at the robot made Jack feel defensive. He grabbed the robot a little tighter.

“I just wanted to try it,” Liam said softly. “I wasn’t going to break it, I promise.”

But Jack wasn’t listening. His heart was racing, and his hands were shaking. He didn’t want Liam to touch his robot. It felt like Liam was taking something that was his, and that made Jack feel angry—really angry.

Jack’s face turned red, and before he even realized it, he shouted, “I said NO! Don’t touch my robot!”

Liam looked hurt. He turned around and walked away, leaving Jack standing there, holding the robot tightly in his hands. Jack felt a rush of emotions—anger, frustration, and guilt. He didn’t like what had just happened. He loved Liam, and they were best friends. But in that moment, Jack couldn’t control his anger.

The Problem

As Liam walked away, Jack stood there, staring at the ground. His chest felt tight, and his stomach was in knots. Why did I yell at him? Jack thought. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings. But I was so mad, and I didn’t know what else to do.

Jack’s mind was racing with thoughts. I just wanted to play by myself. Why can’t Liam understand that? His hands still gripped the robot tightly as if it could protect him from all the confusing feelings swirling around inside him. Why does it feel so hard to share sometimes?

Jack stood still for a few minutes, watching Liam from afar. Liam had gone to play on the swings, looking a little sad. Jack’s heart sank. He didn’t want Liam to feel sad. I didn’t mean to upset him, Jack thought.

But he still felt angry. Why am I so mad?

Jack had been taught that anger was okay to feel. It was a natural emotion, just like happiness or sadness. But Jack didn’t know what to do with his anger. His mom always told him, “When you feel angry, you have to find a way to calm down. It’s okay to feel angry, but it’s not okay to hurt other people.”

Jack’s mom had even shown him some tricks to calm down when he felt angry—like taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or going to a quiet space. But in the heat of the moment, Jack didn’t think about any of those things. He just yelled at Liam.

What Happens Next

Jack sat down on the bench, staring at the robot. He felt bad, but he still felt angry too. The robot had always been his favorite toy, and he didn’t want anyone to touch it. But Jack knew that yelling at Liam wasn’t the right choice. He had hurt his friend’s feelings, and that made Jack feel even worse.

Suddenly, Jack’s mom walked over to him, noticing his upset expression. “Hey, Jack,” she said softly. “I saw what happened with Liam. Do you want to talk about it?”

Jack looked at his mom, and tears started to form in his eyes. He didn’t want to cry, but he couldn’t help it. “I didn’t mean to yell at Liam, Mom. I just got so mad when he wanted to play with my robot. I didn’t want to share it.”

His mom sat next to him and put her arm around him. “I understand, Jack. It’s okay to feel mad sometimes. But it’s important to find a way to manage that anger without hurting others. When you’re angry, you can take deep breaths or count to ten, or even take a break if you need to. That way, you can calm down and think about what you want to do.”

Jack wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “I don’t know why I get so mad sometimes. It’s like my brain stops working, and I just want to yell.”

“Anger can be really powerful,” his mom explained. “But you’re in control of your feelings. It takes practice, but you can learn to control your anger. And when you take a moment to calm down, you’ll be able to think of better ways to solve problems.”

Jack thought about what his mom said. Taking a break… deep breaths… He knew he should have done something like that when Liam asked to play with the robot. He didn’t want to hurt his friend’s feelings, but in the moment, it had been so hard to think clearly.

“I’ll try, Mom,” Jack said softly. “I’ll try to calm down next time.”

“That’s all I can ask for, Jack,” his mom said, smiling at him. “It’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is that you try your best to learn from them.”

Jack nodded, feeling a little better. Maybe next time, I can try using the tricks Mom taught me. He wasn’t perfect, but he knew he could get better at handling his anger.

The Solution

Jack decided to apologize to Liam. He knew it was important to make things right with his friend. So, he walked over to where Liam was swinging and stood nearby, taking a deep breath.

“Hey, Liam,” Jack said quietly.

Liam looked at him, his expression still a little sad. “What do you want, Jack?”

“I’m really sorry I yelled at you,” Jack said, his voice full of regret. “I was mad because I didn’t want anyone to play with my robot. But that was wrong. I shouldn’t have yelled. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.”

Liam looked at Jack for a moment. Then, slowly, he smiled. “It’s okay, Jack. I was just sad because I wanted to play with you. But I understand now. You were just upset.”

Jack felt a wave of relief. Liam forgives me, he thought. I’m glad I apologized.

“I really like playing with you, Liam,” Jack added. “Do you want to play together now? We can take turns with the robot.”

Liam nodded. “That sounds fun! I’ll wait for my turn.”

Jack smiled, feeling proud of himself for apologizing and making things right. He had learned that when he was angry, he didn’t have to hurt anyone. There were better ways to handle his feelings.

The Resolution

The rest of the afternoon went much better. Jack and Liam played together, taking turns with the robot, and laughing as they made it dance and move. They also played with Jack’s other toys, building towers and racing cars across the park.

Jack felt happy and peaceful. He had learned that it wasn’t always easy to control his anger, but it was possible. He had learned that taking deep breaths, counting to ten, and apologizing were all good ways to manage his emotions.

When Jack’s mom called for him to come home, Jack felt proud of himself. He had learned a valuable lesson today—not only about anger but also about being a good friend. And he knew that next time he felt angry, he could use the tools his mom had taught him to calm down and make better choices.

As he walked home, Jack smiled to himself. I’m going to keep practicing, he thought. And next time, I won’t let my anger control me. I’ll be better at handling it.

Why Social Stories Work for Children with Autism?

Ever wonder why some kids with autism find social situations tricky? Social stories can help by making things clearer and easier to understand!

Strengths-Based Approach

• Social stories offer structure and predictability, which many kids with autism prefer.
• They use visuals, which help kids understand better.
• Clear and simple language makes it easier for kids to follow.
• Focus on specific situations, which can help kids feel more prepared.

Research Support

• Studies show social stories improve social understanding and communication skills.
• They can help with behavior by teaching appropriate responses.
• Social stories also help kids manage emotions and reactions in different situations.

Customization

• Social stories can be personalized to match a child’s interests and needs.
• They can be adjusted for sensory preferences (e.g., less visual input or more details).
• Stories can be made for specific events, like a dentist visit or school routine.
• They can be updated as the child grows or as their needs change.

How to Create Effective Social Stories?

Want to help kids with autism better understand social situations? Creating effective social stories is easier than you think, and we’ll show you how!

Identify the Situation

• Pick the specific situation you want to focus on, like taking turns, going to the dentist, or handling meltdowns.

Structure of a Social Story

• Descriptive Sentences: Describe what’s happening.
  Example: “When I go to school, I see my teacher and friends.”
• Perspective Sentences: Explain how others might feel.
  Example: “My teacher feels happy when I listen.”
• Directive Sentences: Give clear instructions on what to do.
  Example: “I will listen to my teacher when she talks.”
• Affirmative Sentences: Reinforce what happens when you follow the steps.
  Example: “When I listen, I feel proud of myself.”

Add Visuals

• Use pictures or drawings to help explain the story.
  Example: Use a photo of the child at school or in similar situations to make it easier to understand.

Writing Tips

• Use simple and easy words.
• Focus on one situation at a time and keep the story short and clear.

Make it Personal

• Adjust the story to fit the child’s age, needs, and challenges.
• If possible, let the child help create or customize the story to make it more relatable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating social stories for kids with autism? Avoid these common mistakes to make sure your stories really help!

Overcomplicating the Story

• Keep the language simple and the message clear. Avoid adding too many details that might confuse the child.

Using Negative Language

• Focus on what the child should do, not what they shouldn’t do.
  Example: Instead of saying “Don’t run,” say “I will walk.”

Ignoring Sensory Needs

• Include sensory triggers that might affect the child, like loud noises.
  Example: “The fire alarm might be loud, but it will stop soon.”

Skipping Practice

• Go over the story several times before the event or situation to help the child feel prepared.

Implementing Social Stories in Daily Life

Wondering how to make social stories part of everyday life? Here’s how you can use them to make real-life situations easier for kids with autism!

When to Use Them

• Before a new experience (e.g., doctor visit, traveling).
• To help with ongoing challenges (e.g., sharing toys, managing transitions).

How Often to Review Them

• Read the story regularly in the days leading up to the event.
• Revisit the story as needed to reinforce the message.

Involving Caregivers and Educators

• Share the story with teachers, therapists, and family to keep everyone on the same page.
• Work together to update the story as the child’s needs or routines change.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Facing challenges with social stories for kids with autism? Here are some common obstacles—and simple solutions to overcome them!

Resistance to the Story

If the child resists, pair the story with rewards or incorporate their special interests.

Lack of Behavior Change

• Ensure the story is realistic and relatable.
• Use stories in combination with other strategies (e.g., visual schedules, role-playing).

Adjusting for Older Children or Adolescents

• Tailor the language and complexity for older children.
• Keep the stories relevant to their developmental level.

Conclusion

Ready to wrap it all up? Here’s a quick recap on how social stories can make a big difference for kids with autism

Recap

• Social stories are a simple tool that helps children with autism understand social situations.
• They reduce anxiety, help with understanding, and build confidence.
• Social stories guide children to be more independent and learn important skills.

Final Thoughts

• Parents and teachers should try making personalized social stories for each child.
• These stories can help with everyday situations or new experiences and can be updated as the child grows.
• With patience and practice, social stories can turn stressful moments into learning opportunities.
• Keep the stories simple and clear to help the child feel confident and prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mark Richards

Mark Richards is the creative mind behind Classica FM, a podcast platform that brings stories, knowledge, and inspiration to listeners of all ages. With a passion for storytelling and a love for diverse topics, he curates engaging content—from kids’ tales to thought-provoking discussions for young adults.