Calm Steps
A social story starring your child, for the moments that feel big.
Walk through the haircut, the dentist or the first day at a new school before it happens. Calm words, real-life pictures, and your child as the hero on every page.
Free preview. Pay only if it fits your child.
How it works
- 1
Pick what is coming up
A haircut, the dentist, a new school, a flight, a new baby, a fire drill, or something else.
- 2
Tell us how it will really go
Where, who will be there, what happens in what order, and what helps your child feel calm. We follow your details exactly.
- 3
Read it together, again and again
Preview it free. Keep it on a phone or tablet, or order a printed copy to bring along on the day.
Written the way social stories should be
Literal and accurate
Words mean exactly what they say. No idioms, jokes or surprises, and “usually” instead of promises.
Describes more than it directs
Most sentences explain what will happen and why. At most two gently suggest what your child can do.
Honest about the senses
Buzzing clippers, bright lights, loud engines and waiting are mentioned calmly, before they happen.
Positive and patient
Feelings are named and accepted. Your child is never scolded, rushed or compared. Each book ends with specific praise.
Pictures that match real life
Calm, uncluttered, real-world scenes with your child drawn the same way on every page.
First person or third
Choose “I sit in the big chair” or “Maya sits in the big chair”, whichever your child connects with.
Pick a moment
Or choose “Something else” and describe it in your own words.
- Getting a haircut
- Visiting the dentist
- A doctor checkup
- Starting a new school or class
- A substitute teacher
- A new baby at home
- Flying on an airplane
- Moving to a new home
- Going to a birthday party
- A fire drill at school
- A trip to the grocery store
- A new babysitter
- A big family gathering
- Trying a new food
- The morning routine
- The bedtime routine
Questions parents ask
What is a social story?
A short, simple story that describes a specific situation: what happens, who is there, and why. Parents, teachers and therapists use them to help children know what to expect. Calm Steps books follow widely used social story writing guidance and make your child the hero.
Who is it for?
Children who do best when they know what is coming, including many autistic children and children who feel uneasy about new places or changes in routine. It is a reading tool for families, not a treatment or a substitute for advice from your child's care team.
Can I make it match our exact day?
Yes. Write the steps in your own words: the place, the people, the order, the snack afterwards. The story follows your order. You can also list what helps, like ear defenders, a favorite toy or a break in the car.
Can I share it with a teacher or therapist?
Yes. The ebook is a PDF you can print or send, and the online reader works on any phone or tablet.
What does it cost?
The preview is free. The ebook is $14.99, a printed softcover is $34.99 and a hardcover is $44.99, each with the ebook included.
Know what comes next, together.
About two minutes to set up and a free preview before you pay.
Make a Calm Steps bookCalm Steps books are reading tools for families. They are not medical, therapeutic or educational services, they do not diagnose or treat any condition, and they are not a substitute for advice from your child's doctor, therapist or teacher. Stories are written with AI from the details you provide, so please read each one before sharing it with your child. "Social Stories" is a trademark of Carol Gray; Calm Steps is not affiliated with or endorsed by Carol Gray.