Social Stories: Personalised Supports for Everyday Life

Every child experiences the world differently.

Some children benefit from extra support to understand new situations, navigate social interactions, manage big feelings, or learn more about themselves. One tool that can help is a social story.

At Each Speech Pear Plum, we create personalised social stories that are designed specifically for your child, their strengths, their goals, and the people who support them.

What Is a Social Story?

A social story is a short, individualised story that helps explain a situation, experience, skill, or concept in a way that is meaningful and accessible for a child.

Social stories often combine simple language with visuals to support understanding and engagement. They can be used at home, school, therapy, or in community settings to help children better understand themselves and the world around them.

What Can Social Stories Be Used For?

Social stories are highly flexible and can be tailored to suit a wide range of goals and situations.

Understanding Big Feelings and Self-Regulation

Some children benefit from learning more about their emotions, body signals, and regulation strategies.

A social story might help a child understand:

• What anxiety, frustration, or excitement can feel like

• How their body lets them know they need a break

• Strategies that help them feel calm and safe

• When and how to ask for support

Learning About a Diagnosis

For some children, a social story can be a positive way to learn about their diagnosis and better understand themselves.

These stories can focus on:

• Personal strengths

• Individual differences

• Helpful supports and accommodations

• Self-acceptance and identity

Supporting Social Participation

Social situations can sometimes feel confusing or unpredictable.

Social stories can help children understand situations such as:

• Joining a game

• Taking turns

• Working in a group

• Attending community activities

• Building and maintaining friendships

The goal is not to change who a child is. Instead, social stories provide information that can support understanding, confidence, and participation.

Preparing for New Experiences

A social story can also help reduce uncertainty around unfamiliar situations, such as:

• Starting school or kindy

• Moving classrooms

• Visiting a healthcare professional

• Beginning therapy

• Going on a holiday

• Attending a special event
  

Knowing what to expect can often help children feel more confident and prepared.

Why Personalisation Matters

While there are many ready-made social stories available online, children often engage best with supports that reflect their own experiences, environments, and interests.

At Each Speech Pear Plum, every social story is personalised to the individual child.

When developing a social story, we take the time to understand your child's strengths, goals, communication style, and support needs.

This may involve conversations with:

• Parents and caregivers

• Teachers and education staff

• Occupational therapists

• Psychologists

• Support workers

• Other important members of the child's support team

By working collaboratively, we can create a social story that feels relevant, meaningful, and practical for the child across the environments that matter most to them.

How Are Social Stories Used?

Social stories can be used in many different settings, including:

• At home with family

• In the classroom

• During therapy sessions

• In community activities

• During transitions and new experiences

Some children may revisit a social story regularly, while others may only need it for a specific event or period of time.

Because social stories are individualised, they can grow and change alongside the child's needs.

What Is the Cost of a Social Story?

Because every social story is personalised, the cost can vary depending on your child's needs and the amount of collaboration involved.

In some cases, an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) may assist with creating the resource under the guidance of your speech pathologist, which can reduce the overall cost.

Your speech pathologist will discuss the most suitable option with you and provide information about any associated costs before the social story is developed.

How We Can Help

At Each Speech Pear Plum, we create personalised social stories that support children to better understand themselves, navigate their world, and participate with confidence.

Whether your child would benefit from support with self-regulation, understanding a diagnosis, social participation, school routines, or preparing for a new experience, we can work collaboratively with your family and support team to create a resource that is meaningful, practical, and individualised.

If you think a social story may benefit your child, we'd love to chat about how we can help.

For more information or to book an assessment, visit Each Speech Pear Plum or contact us directly. We’re here to support your child’s journey to better communication, ensuring they have the most fun along the way.