Social Stories & Comic Strip Conversations OMG

What is Social Stories & Comic Strip Conversations?

Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations are visual and narrative-based tools developed by Carol Gray to support children and young people (CYP) in understanding social situations, emotions, and expected behaviours. They are especially helpful for CYP with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communication difficulties, or social anxiety.

How does it work?

Social Stories use simple, structured narratives (often with visuals) to explain social situations, routines, or behaviours from the child's perspective.
Comic Strip Conversations use stick figures, symbols, and speech/thought bubbles to visually break down conversations or events, helping CYP understand what happened, how others felt, and what could be done differently next time.

What are the principles? What are the benefits?

Principles:

Respect the child's perspective
Use clear, positive, and non-judgemental language
Focus on understanding, not correcting behaviour

Benefits:

Reduces anxiety by preparing CYP for new or challenging situations
Builds social understanding and empathy
Supports emotional regulation and communication
Encourages reflection and problem-solving

In practice:

A Social Story might explain what to expect during a fire drill. A Comic Strip Conversation might help a child reflect on a playground disagreement and explore alternative responses.

Intended impact:

To help CYP feel more confident, understood, and equipped to navigate social situations.

Who and how can this intervention benefit?

Who:

CYP with ASD, ADHD, SEMH needs, or communication difficulties
CYP who struggle with transitions, social cues, or emotional regulation

How:

By providing structure, predictability, and visual support
By helping CYP understand others' perspectives and their own emotions

How can this intervention be used? What needs can it support?

Use in:

One-to-one sessions, small groups, or whole-class PSHE

Supports:

Social communication, behaviour, anxiety, transitions, emotional literacy

Best suited for:

CYP who benefit from visual learning and structured support
CYP who find verbal explanations overwhelming or confusing

How can schools/settings support with Social Stories & Comic Strip Conversations?

Train staff in writing and using Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations
Embed them into behaviour support plans or EHCP outcomes
Use them proactively (e.g. before a school trip) and reactively (e.g. after an incident)
Collaborate with families to ensure consistency

How can families support with Social Stories & Comic Strip Conversations?

Create simple stories or strips at home using drawings or photos
Use them to prepare for changes (e.g. holidays, appointments)
Talk through emotions and social situations using visuals
Access local training or templates via Just One Norfolk

How can you help CYP understand, be ready for and get the most out of these tools?

Introduce them when the child is calm and receptive
Use the child's language and interests
Involve the child in creating the story or drawing the comic
Revisit and reflect regularly to reinforce learning

What information/support is available nationally?

Carol Gray's Official Site - guidance and templates
Sheffield Children's NHS - practical tips and examples
Bedfordshire & Luton NHS - overview and downloads

What information/support do we have in Norfolk?

EPSS (Educational Psychology & Specialist Support) offers twilight training on Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations
Just One Norfolk provides resources and guidance for families.

Useful links

How to make a referral

Speak with your School and Community Team Manager or Early Help Consultant

Contact the SEND and Inclusion Line 0333 313 7165
Raise the topic at your Team Around the School (TAS) meeting to discuss suitability and next steps