Social Stories are short, individualized narratives that describe a social situation, skill, or concept using specific guidelines developed by Carol Gray. Each story answers 'wh-' questions — who is involved, what happens, where, when, and why — from the learner's perspective. Stories use a defined ratio of descriptive, perspective, and directive sentences to help the individual understand expectations and others' feelings. For example, a social story about going to the dentist would describe the waiting room, the sounds of the instruments, why the dentist checks teeth, and what the child can do if they feel nervous. Social Stories are used in schools, homes, and therapy settings to prepare for transitions, teach routines, and reduce anxiety about unfamiliar situations.
Social Stories are a low-cost tool often written into IEP goals and behavior plans. They require no waiver funding but complement waiver-funded services like behavioral therapy.