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Social story topics

Social story: When my uniform feels scratchy

Labels, seams, waistbands, stiff collars and the particular scratch of a new jumper can be unbearable for a student who feels texture intensely. A morning battle over clothes is often not about the clothes at all; it is about a body that cannot tune the feeling out.

This story acknowledges that the uniform can feel wrong, describes what has been changed to help, such as labels cut out or a softer shirt underneath, and gives the student a way to ask for help when something is bothering them. Read it when the changes are made, so the story matches what the student is wearing.

A sample story

Illustration from a sample social story about when my uniform feels scratchy: The character standing directly in front of the teacher, one finger pointing to the collar of their shirt.

When My Uniform Feels Scratchy

  1. 1Sometimes my school uniform feels scratchy or tight on my skin.
  2. 2The scratchy feeling on my skin is real and it is okay to notice it.
  3. 3My teacher knows that tight or scratchy clothes can feel very uncomfortable.
  4. 4I can walk to my teacher, point to where it feels scratchy, and say the word 'scratchy' or 'tight'.
  5. 5I tell my teacher when my uniform feels scratchy, and I feel better after that.

A sample made with HandsOnTop. Yours is written for your student.

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Tips for using it

  • Cut labels out, turn socks inside out and wash new clothes a few times before wearing.
  • Agree a soft base layer with the family and the school.
  • Give the student words for "this is bothering me" and respond to them.

Common questions

Can the story mention changes to the uniform?

Yes, and it should. Put the real changes into the topic, for example "with the labels cut out and a soft shirt underneath", so the story describes the uniform the student will actually wear.

What if the school is strict about uniform?

Most schools allow adjustments for a sensory need when asked. Talk to the learning-support team; the story can describe whatever is agreed.

Does it help with shoes and socks?

Yes. Add them to the topic if they are the problem, and the story will include them.