What is the resource?
Developed by Carol Gray in 1991, Social Stories are short, personalised narratives designed to help individuals understand social situations, expectations, and the perspectives of others. Gray created the method after recognising that many autistic individuals struggle not from a lack of desire to engage socially, but from a lack of clear, explicit information about how social situations work. Each Social Story follows a specific structure, using four types of sentences: descriptive sentences explain what happens in a situation and why; perspective sentences describe the feelings and reactions of others; directive sentences gently suggest appropriate responses; and affirmative sentences reinforce shared values or offer reassurance. Gray's guidelines recommend two to five descriptive, perspective, or affirmative sentences for every directive sentence, preventing the story from feeling like a list of rules. Social Stories are always written in the first person, using calm, positive language, and tailored to the individual's age, reading level, and specific situation — whether navigating a school lunch queue, managing a change in routine, or understanding why a friend might feel upset. Visual supports such as illustrations or photographs are often incorporated to reinforce understanding. Rather than simply correcting behaviour, the approach builds genuine comprehension, reducing anxiety and fostering confidence in social settings. This resource provides an overview of the method along with a ready-to-use template for creating your own.
Who is it for?
This resource is for teachers, support staff, therapists, and parents working with autistic children or adults, or those with ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, or social communication difficulties — anyone supporting individuals who find unwritten social rules confusing or hard to navigate.
How it should be used
Use the information section to understand Carol Gray's principles and sentence structure, then use the template to write a story tailored to a specific individual and situation. Read it together regularly, particularly before the relevant social event, and update it as needs or circumstances change.
