For neurodivergent students
A social story written for your student, illustrated and ready to print
Describe the moment one student finds hard — lining up, a fire drill, a new teacher, the dentist — and get a gentle, illustrated social story in their name, ready to read together today.
30 free credits — no card needed
Written for one student, not a whole class
Generic stories rarely land. Tell HandsOnTop the situation, the student’s first name and age, and the story is written for them: what will happen, what they might feel, and what they can do. The language stays simple, positive and predictable — the way social stories are meant to be written — and you can change any sentence before you print.
The same character on every page
Each page is illustrated with the same child in the same style, so the story reads as one book rather than a set of unrelated pictures. Choose cartoon or simple line-drawing styles, decide whether you want a title page, and set the length from one page to twelve.
- Personalised to the student, the situation and their age
- Consistent illustrated character across every page
- Simple, positive, predictable language
- Print-ready PDF, PowerPoint or print view — saved to your library for free re-download
For the moments that are hard to prepare for
Teachers and therapists reach for a social story before a change or a tricky routine: a relief teacher, a fire drill, assembly, a haircut, a blood test, losing a game, loud noises, waiting. Browse the ready-made topics for a starting point, or describe something only your student would need.
Part of a kit for neurodivergent students
After the story, make the matching visual supports — a first-then board or a visual schedule for the same routine — and a worksheet themed around the student’s interest. One place for the resources that make a classroom work for the student in front of you.
Common questions
Who are social stories for?
Social stories were developed for autistic children and are used widely with neurodivergent students, students with anxiety and any child who copes better when they know what is going to happen. Teachers, learning-support staff, therapists and parents all use them.
Can I put the student’s name in the story?
Yes. Add a first name and the story is written about that student, with the character drawn to match the age and style you choose. Leave it blank for a generic story you can reuse.
Can I edit the words?
Every page can be rewritten by hand or with a one-line note to the assistant, and any picture can be redrawn. Edits are saved, so the printed PDF and the copy in your library match the screen.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
A four-page story is written and illustrated in about two minutes and costs 12 credits (3 a page). Every account starts with 30 free credits, and a visitor can start one free straight from the homepage — the first pages are drawn straight away and the last page opens with a free account.
Try it with one student's next routine
New accounts start with 30 free credits — about 2 social stories or 10 visual cards. No card needed.
Create a social story free