Free Social Story Templates & Examples
12 ready-to-use social stories for autistic kids, with gentle versions written to Carol Gray's describe-first guidance and every story fact-checked. Read any story in full, then add your child's name and photos in the free maker. No email required.
Behavior & big feelings
When I Feel Like Hitting
A social story for kids who hit when big feelings take over. Choose the gentle version or the firmer We Do Not Hit version, then print either one free.
Gentle + direct versions
Biting
When a child bites, everyone needs a plan. This printable social story explains that teeth are for food and offers safe things to chew instead. Free to edit.
Gentle + direct versions
Throwing Things
Read the full story about safe hands and things that fly, then print it free. Written for kids who throw toys or food when anger or excitement gets big.
Gentle + direct versions
Spitting
Spit belongs in the sink. This free printable social story explains why in plain, kid-friendly words and shows what to do with the urge to spit instead.
Gentle + direct versions
Accepting No
Hearing no is hard for many kids. This social story explains why grown-ups say no and rehearses calm responses. Print it free or personalize it first.
Gentle + direct versions
When I Feel Frustrated
Frustration hits when the tower falls or the zipper sticks. A free printable social story that names the feeling and walks through calming down, step by step.
Routines & transitions
Using the Potty
Potty training feels less scary when your child knows every step. This free printable social story walks through body signals, sitting, and washing up.
Bedtime
A calm, predictable bedtime story your child can follow page by page, from pajamas to lights out. Printable and free, with room for your child's name.
Brushing Teeth
Two minutes at the sink can be a battle. This free printable social story breaks tooth brushing into small steps and names the tricky sensory parts.
Getting Dressed
From underwear to shoes, this social story puts the morning routine in a fixed order for kids who get stuck. Free to print or personalize with your child's name.
When Plans Change
When rain or a closed store wrecks the plan, this free printable social story helps autistic kids handle the change with a deep breath and one simple question.
School & social skills
More stories on the way
School and community stories are coming next: fire drills, haircuts, the dentist, the grocery store, and more. The school set arrives before back-to-school.
How to use these templates
- Pick the story closest to the situation your child is working on.
- Read it with your child at a calm time, not in the middle of the moment.
- Customize the name, pictures, and words in the free maker.
- Print it as a booklet and reread it often, especially before the situation comes up.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a social story?
- A social story is a short, personal story that walks a child through one situation, like getting a haircut or hearing no. It describes what happens and how people feel far more than it tells the child what to do, which makes new or hard situations feel predictable instead of scary.
- Are these social story templates free?
- Yes. The full text of every story is on its page with no email required, and the free maker lets you personalize the story with your child's name, swap pictures, and download a printable booklet.
- What is the describe to coach ratio?
- A good social story spends most of its sentences describing the situation and saves only a few for coaching what to try. These templates keep at least two describing sentences for every coaching sentence in their gentle versions, so the story informs and reassures before it ever instructs.
- What is the difference between the gentle and direct versions?
- The gentle version describes feelings and offers choices, and it is the right starting point for most children. The direct version uses firmer wording, like We do not hit, with clear consequences. Some behavior stories include both so you can match your child's needs and your family's approach.
- Can I print a social story for school?
- Yes. Teachers and parents can print any of these stories freely for classroom or home use. Behavior stories with both a gentle and a direct version let a teacher and a parent pick the wording that matches their approach.
Social Stories were developed by Carol Gray. Spectrum Unlocked is not affiliated with or endorsed by Carol Gray; the gentle versions of these templates follow her published describe-more-than-coach guidance.