Social story topics
Social story: Going to the supermarket
Supermarkets are bright, echoey and full of things to want. There are beeps at every checkout, music, announcements, cold air in some aisles and crowds in others, and a long wait at the end with sweets at eye level. For autistic and neurodivergent children it is a lot to hold together, and the hard moments are public.
This story describes the trip in order and gives the child a job, such as holding the list or finding three items, so there is something to do rather than something to endure. Read it before the trip and keep the first few trips short and the same shop each time.
A sample story
Going to the Supermarket
- 1First, my family and I walk into the supermarket together.
- 2The supermarket has bright lights and lots of loud sounds.
- 3My parent knows the supermarket can feel very noisy and busy.
- 4I can hold my parent's hand and walk next to them.
- 5Finally, we pay for the food and walk back to the car together.
A sample made with HandsOnTop. Yours is written for your student.
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Tips for using it
- Give the child a job with a picture list so they are part of the shop.
- Go at a quiet time and keep the first trips short.
- Decide the checkout plan in advance and put it in the story.
Common questions
Is this story for school or home?
Mostly home, but teachers often write it for a class excursion or for a family who have asked for help. Anyone with an account can make it and email the PDF to the family.
Can it mention headphones?
Yes. If the child uses headphones or ear defenders, write them in as part of the plan, for example "I wear my headphones in the shop."
What about asking for things at the checkout?
Decide the rule before you go, such as one small thing from the list, and have the story say exactly that. A clear rule stated beforehand is far easier than a no at the till.