Social Stories
Helping children understand everyday experiences, one story at a time.
Some experiences are easier to approach when we know what might happen.
A visit to someone’s home. A change in routine. A celebration. An unfamiliar activity.
For autistic children, these moments can involve new people, expectations, sensory experiences and uncertainty.
SteadyHand social stories use familiar illustrations and clear language to make everyday situations easier to understand and prepare for.
The aim is not to make every experience go perfectly.
It is to help your child feel more informed, supported and able to participate in their own way.
What can social stories help with?
Social stories can support children in:
- Preparing: Understanding what may happen during an activity or event.
- Understanding: Learning about unfamiliar situations, people and expectations.
- Communicating: Recognising ways to ask for help, express preferences or request a break.
- Participating: Exploring different ways to join an activity comfortably.
- Managing change: Understanding when plans may be different from expected.
A social story is a support for understanding — not a test of behaviour or compliance.
Explore Our Social Stories
Christmas with My Family
Three illustrated stories • Simple, Intermediate & Extended
Christmas gatherings may involve visiting relatives, sharing meals, exchanging presents, music, games and family photographs.
These stories help families prepare for festive experiences while making room for communication, sensory needs, personal boundaries and different ways to participate.
Choose from three versions with increasing language and detail, each featuring familiar characters and a Family Visit Plan.
More stories are on the way
The SteadyHand Social Stories library will continue growing to cover everyday routines, new experiences, celebrations, transitions and other situations families encounter.
Each story will follow the same approach:
Clear language. Familiar visuals. Respect for the child’s needs and choices.
How to use a social story
1. Choose the right story
Start with the situation your child is preparing for. Choose the amount of language and detail that works for them.
2. Read together when calm
Look at the illustrations, talk about what might happen and allow time to process. You can read a few pages at a time.
3. Make it meaningful
Connect the story to your child’s actual experience. Use real photographs, familiar language and practical supports where helpful.
Your child does not need to read independently, answer questions or finish the entire story.
Explore More Everyday Support
Everyday challenges often overlap. A difficult routine may involve communication, emotions or understanding what comes next.
Explore another area where your child might benefit from support.
Daily Routines
Make everyday activities clearer and more manageable with visual supports for mornings, getting dressed, brushing teeth, mealtimes and more.
Communication & Understanding
Help your child understand information, make choices and communicate their needs through clearer instructions and accessible visual supports.
Emotions & Regulation
Support your child in recognising feelings, navigating big emotions, waiting, taking turns and discovering what helps them regulate.
Every experience can begin with understanding
Start with a story that matches your child’s current situation.
Read together.
Make room for questions, feelings and different ways to participate.