Social story topics
Social story: Going to the toilet at school
School toilets are loud, echoey and shared. The hand dryer roars, the door may not lock the way the one at home does, and you have to ask to go in front of everyone. Many autistic and neurodivergent students hold on all day rather than face it, which makes afternoons miserable.
This story covers how to ask, what the toilets look and sound like, the steps from door to hand washing, and getting back to class. Read it before a walk to the toilets at a quiet time, so the student sees the real room with the story in mind. A step-by-step visual on the cubicle door helps on the day.
A sample story
Going to the Toilet at School
- 1At school, there is a toilet I can use.
- 2My body tells me when it needs the toilet.
- 3I raise my hand and say the words to my teacher.
- 4I go to the toilet, and my body feels comfortable again.
A sample made with HandsOnTop. Yours is written for your student.
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Tips for using it
- Visit the toilets at a quiet time so the student sees them without the crowd.
- Agree a discreet way to ask, such as a toilet card placed on the desk.
- Put a picture sequence of the steps at child height inside the cubicle.
Common questions
Is the story suitable to share with parents?
Yes, and it helps to use the same words at home and at school. The story uses plain, matter-of-fact language and no baby talk.
Can I include the hand dryer noise?
Yes. Say that it is loud and that the student can use paper towel instead, if that is an option. Honest sensory detail is what makes these stories trusted.
How many pages does this one need?
Five or six works well because there are several steps. Set the length before you generate; each page is one short sentence.