Want the story written for you?
This maker is the print-first editor: pick a scenario, personalize it, and print. If you would rather have AI draft the words first, the Social Story builder on Beacon asks about the situation and your child, then drafts a story you can edit and print.
Free Social Story Maker
Build a personalized social story for your child in a few minutes. Start from a ready-made scenario like personal space, using the potty, or big feelings, add your child's name and real photos, and print it as a booklet, full pages, or a single sheet. Everything stays on your device.
In a hurry, browse all 12 templates (personal space, using the potty, big feelings, and more), then personalize the one that fits.
How to make a social story
- Pick a scenario template, or start from scratch.
- Add your child's name and choose first person or third person.
- Edit the pages: one sentence and one picture per page.
- Check the describe-to-coach meter to keep the story mostly descriptive.
- Choose a layout and print, or share an editable link.
Built on Carol Gray's Social Stories approach
Social Stories were developed by Carol Gray, who introduced the method in 1990 and continues to publish the criteria that guide it. The describe-to-coach meter in this maker follows her core guidance: at least twice as many describing sentences as coaching sentences, so a story explains far more than it instructs. Spectrum Unlocked is not affiliated with or endorsed by Carol Gray; this maker's templates and meter follow her published guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the social story maker really free?
- Yes. Every template, layout, and download is free. You can optionally leave an email to get more printable tools, but you can skip it and download anyway.
- What is a social story maker?
- It's a tool for building your own social story: you pick a scenario, personalize it with your child's name and real photos, choose from 3 print layouts, and download a free printable. The underlying approach was developed by Carol Gray and is widely used with autistic children.
- Can I add my own photos?
- Yes. You can put real photos of your child, your home, or your school on any page. Photos stay on your device and are never uploaded.
- What is the describe-to-coach meter?
- Carol Gray's guidance says a social story should have at least two describing sentences for every coaching sentence. The meter counts your pages live so you can keep that balance.
- What layouts can I print?
- Three: a half-page booklet you cut and staple, full pages with one sentence per page, and a one-page version for older kids. All work on Letter and A4 paper, in color or ink-saving black and white.
- Can I share a story I made?
- Yes. Create an editable link and anyone who opens it can tweak and print the story. The link contains the story text, so share it only with people you trust.