By Little Tesla Pediatric Therapy
At Little Tesla Pediatric Therapy, one of the powerful tools we use to support children through daily transitions and new experiences is the social story. These simple, child-friendly narratives are designed to help children understand social situations, reduce anxiety, and build confidence in real-life scenarios—whether it’s going to school, visiting the doctor, or making a new friend.
What Is a Social Story?
A social story is a short, structured narrative that describes a specific social experience a child may encounter at home, school, therapy, or in the community. These stories help children learn what to expect in a situation and guide them in understanding how to respond appropriately.
They’re often written in simple, clear sentences, paired with engaging pictures, and presented in a sequence that mirrors real-life events. For example, a social story about “Going to the Playground” might show pictures of children waiting for their turn on the swing, using kind words, or asking a peer to play.
Why Social Stories Matter
Children—especially those with developmental delays, Autism, or sensory processing challenges—can benefit tremendously from repetition, visual support, and predictability. Social stories help:
Reduce anxiety and fear around unfamiliar or stressful situations
Improve emotional regulation and social problem-solving
Teach new routines or expectations
Promote positive behavior in everyday settings
We recommend reading the story multiple times with your child, especially in the days leading up to the specific event or scenario, to help them process and retain the information.
How Are Social Stories Created?
At Little Tesla Pediatric Therapy, our therapists follow a structured approach when developing social stories personalized for each child’s needs:
Choose the Topic: Identify a social situation your child is struggling with (e.g., visiting the dentist, taking turns, or starting a new school).
Gather Key Information: Understand the setting, people involved, and what typically happens.
Include the 5 W’s: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Use Sentence Types:
Descriptive sentences explain what’s happening or what others might be feeling.
Directive sentences suggest what the child can do or say in the situation.
(We use a 2:1 ratio—two descriptive sentences for every one directive sentence.)
Add Visuals: Pictures make the story more engaging and easier to understand.
How We Use Social Stories at Little Tesla
Our therapists integrate social stories into therapy sessions when preparing children for changes in routine, new environments, or social challenges. Whether it’s helping a child tolerate a haircut, understand how to join a group at play, or learn to ask for a break when overwhelmed, social stories are a key part of our toolkit.
They’re customized to each child, often featuring their name, familiar locations, and even pictures of themselves—making the learning more personal and impactful.
Partnering With Parents
We believe in the power of collaboration. That’s why we often send customized social stories home with families, so learning can continue beyond the therapy room. If there’s a specific situation you’d like help with, our team is happy to develop a social story that fits your child’s needs.
At Little Tesla Pediatric Therapy, we turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth—one story at a time.
Want to learn more or request a social story for your child? Contact us today and let’s support your child’s social success together!
