Social stories are a proven strategy for teaching coping strategies to help children of all ages with their social, emotional, and behavioral needs. For social stories to really work, they need to be respectful and supportive. They have to be written with empathy and humility, focusing on understanding rather than rigid rules about dos and don'ts. So in reality what truly matters is how a story is written — not necessarily who writes it. This is why Carol Gray, the inventor of the social story, has put very specific criteria for writing them. And if you ask any behavioral therapist or special education teacher, you’ll get the same answer: it’s the structure and the intent of the story that matter the most.
What also matters greatly is that each story is written for a specific individual, reflecting the feelings, behaviors, and any other factors that need to be addressed. Research has shown that social stories are most effective when individuals can relate to them personally.
Simplifying the Social Story Process for All
Professionals know how to quickly craft effective and proper social stories, but parents and caregivers often need time to find the right tone and rhythm. While traditional social stories do not require visuals, illustrations have now become essential—they help young children and visual learners grasp concepts more easily and deepen emotional connection. That’s why both professionals and families spend hours searching and printing images to make their stories relatable.
At Emona, we help professionals and families navigate challenging moments and foster emotional growth and understanding. Our AI model is purpose-built to create social stories that follow the latest criteria—providing properly structured, respectful, and guiding responses, while also generating visuals that enhance emotional connection. The prompt simply needs to describe the person and the situation, and Emona will generate a positive, respectful story from the person’s point of view.
Using Social Stories
Social stories work best when introduced proactively—before challenging situations arise. If a social story needs to be created to reflect on a behavior or a situation, it should always be read during calm moments, never as punishment.
Research suggests that social stories are most effective when individuals revisit them regularly. With Emona, once you create your stories, you can save, share, and print them to revisit whenever needed.
While social stories are not a single solution, they are a fundamental tool for professionals and families alike. And with Emona AI, creating one has never been easier. Just remember:
- Social stories should be personalized to each individual's specific needs.
- After reading a story several times, role-playing can help reinforce understanding.
- At least half of your social stories should celebrate positive behaviors, not just address challenges.