Children with autism can sometimes find certain situations challenging. During an emergency, they may not know what to do or how to act. 

This blog explains how social stories can help your child stay safe and respond calmly in difficult situations. 

What is a Social Story? 

A social story is a short description of an activity, feeling, situation, or event designed to help children with autism develop social understanding and stay safe. 

• • They can include pictures and words and are often like comic strips or short conversations. 
  • Usually aimed at children, social stories are widely used in schools to support autistic pupils. 

Social stories can cover:

• • Self-care: washing, brushing teeth, getting dressed
  • Academic skills: following instructions, taking turns
  • Social skills: manners, asking for help, coping with emotions
  • Behavioural strategies: managing anger, obsessions, or anxiety

They are written in a literal, concrete way, which helps children understand situations that were previously confusing. Social stories can be tailored to each child’s needs and comprehension level. 

Example of a Social Story 

Here’s a simple example: 

Sometimes I like to play with other children. 

I can ask them, “Do you want to play with me?” 

If they say yes, I can play with them and I will have fun. 

If they say no, it’s ok. I can ask someone else, or I can play by myself.

Social stories are especially helpful for children who process information visually rather than auditorily. Reading the story once or twice a day can help your child understand and change their behaviour over time.

How to Create Your Own Social Stories 

While pre-written social stories are available online, you can also write your own to address specific situations or behaviours. 

Step 1: Define Your Goal

Decide exactly what behaviour or skill you want to teach. Examples:

• • Covering their mouth when coughing
  • Handling anxiety at a social event
  • Knowing what to do in an emergency

Step 2: Answer Six Key Questions

Your social story should clearly address:

• • Who? Who is involved?
  • What? What happens?
  • When? When does it happen?
  • Where? Where does it happen?
  • Why? Why does it happen?
  • How? How should the child behave or respond?

Step 3: Use Descriptive and Coaching Sentences 

• • Descriptive sentences explain the situation: “Christmas Day is 25th December,” “I sleep in my bed.” 
  • Coaching sentences guide behaviour: “I will hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road.”

Step 4: Personalise the Story

Always refer to the child using I, me, or their name, not another character. This helps the child relate to themselves in the situation. 

Using Social Stories for Emergencies 

Social stories are particularly useful for emergency situations, such as:

• • Fire drills or actual fires
  • Medical emergencies
  • Getting lost
  • Intruders in the home

Create different stories for various emergencies and review them regularly. Frequent practice helps your child react calmly if the worst happens. 

Resources for Social Stories

There are many pre-written social stories online:

• • Pinterest – great for a variety of scenarios
  • Twinkl Educational Publishing – high-quality resources for children

For guidance on creating your own stories, check the National Autistic Society website. 

Social stories are a simple but effective tool to help children with autism understand, prepare for, and cope with emergencies. Personalising the stories and reading them regularly can make a real difference in your child’s confidence and safety.

If you have tips or experiences to share, comment below — we’d love to hear from you!

Stay connected for the latest news, tips, and special offers on medical jewellery. Sign up for our newsletter and be among the first to discover stylish medical alert pieces, expert advice, and receive a free printable wallet card for your emergency contact information.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.