What are Custom Social Stories?
New situations, unexpected changes, and unfamiliar expectations can feel overwhelming—especially for neurodivergent children and children who have experienced trauma. A custom social story helps make those moments feel more predictable.
A social story is a short, supportive story that explains a situation, routine, or social experience in clear and reassuring language. It may describe what a child can expect, what other people might do, how the child may feel, and what choices or coping tools are available to them.
Unlike a generic social story found online, a custom social story is created for one specific child at a time! It can include:
The child’s name, interests, and preferred modes of communication
Photos of the actual people, places, or objects involved
The child’s unique worries, questions, and sensory needs
Realistic steps for navigating the situation in their area
Helpful coping strategies that already work for them
Custom social stories can be used for many different experiences, including starting school, visiting the doctor, getting a haircut, welcoming a new sibling, handling changes in routine, or learning what to do when emotions feel too big.
The goal is not to force a child to behave a certain way or hide who they are. A thoughtful custom social story gives the child information, preparation, and language they can use to understand what is happening. It should feel supportive—not controlling.
At Little Lantern Social Stories, each story is created with the individual child in mind. By turning an uncertain experience into something familiar and understandable, we can help children feel more prepared, confident, and supported.
Why? Because when a child knows what to expect, the world can feel a little less overwhelming—and a little more manageable.
Have questions or like to schedule a consultation for a story? Click here to submit a request form and let’s chat about your kiddos needs!
