How long should a social story be?

As long as your child needs. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center notes that some children do better with a detailed, step by step story and others with a short, general one.

Should a social story be written in first person?

Either works: first person with "I", or third person with your child's name.

Is there a social story template?

The six steps above work as one. Tella fills them in for you from what you tell it about your child and the situation.

Can I make a social story with pictures of my child?

Yes. Tella draws your child in every scene from what you tell it, no photo needed.

All about social stories

How to write a social story

Write it from your child's point of view, describe what will happen in calm, concrete words, add pictures, and share it before the day.

Custom story for Priya

Priya counts the fish in the waiting room, then climbs into the big chair for her first dentist visit.

Twenty Teeth and a Sparkly Smile

Story created for Priya

How to make a social story, step by step

Pick one situation, like a first dentist visit or a new classroom.
Write from your child's point of view, with "I" or their name.
Describe what will happen and why, including the hard parts, like waiting or new people, rather than telling your child what to do.
Use positive, concrete words, and "may" instead of "will", since plans change.
Add pictures of each step.
Share it a few days before, or just before if early notice makes your child more worried.

These steps follow the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's social story tip sheet, which notes that some children do better with a detailed, step by step story and others with a shorter, general one.

Or skip the writing. That's why Tella is built so you type the situation and the story is written around your child, your family and the real place, with your child in every picture and narration to watch together.

A social story example

Here's how Priya's dentist story covers each part.

What will happen: Dr. Lee says hello and explains she counts teeth.
The place: a big blue chair that leans back like a slide.
Who's there: Mom stays right beside her under the bright light.
How it may feel: twenty teeth counted, strange but not scary.

Watch Priya’s whole story

Questions parents ask

How long should a social story be?: As long as your child needs. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center notes that some children do better with a detailed, step by step story and others with a short, general one.
Should a social story be written in first person?: Either works: first person with "I", or third person with your child's name.
Is there a social story template?: The six steps above work as one. Tella fills them in for you from what you tell it about your child and the situation.
Can I make a social story with pictures of my child?: Yes. Tella draws your child in every scene from what you tell it, no photo needed.

Questions parents ask about Tella

Is it more screen time?: You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
Is it safe?: No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
Is it really about my child?: Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
What does it cost?: Your first story is free. No card needed.
Why not just ask ChatGPT?: See how a Tella story compares.

Updated October 30, 2026.

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