Shopping centres. Supermarkets. Playgrounds. For most of us, these are just everyday places — but for many children, especially those with ASD, who are sensory-sensitive, or navigating anxiety, they can feel like a lot to take in all at once. The crowds, the noise, the bright lights, the constant movement — it's a genuinely overwhelming sensory experience.
That's why we've created a free social story,
Going to a Busy Place, to help children understand what to expect in busy environments and, more importantly, give them simple, practical tools to feel safe and in control when things get loud.
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What is a social story?
Social stories are short, simple narratives that describe a situation, skill, or concept in a way that's easy for children to understand. Originally developed to support children aith ASD, they've become a widely-used tool for helping any child — particularly those with sensory processing differences, anxiety, or communication needs — prepare for situations that might otherwise feel unpredictable or stressful.
By reading through a scenario in advance, in calm and reassuring language, children can build familiarity with what they might see, hear, and feel, and rehearse the strategies that will help them cope in the moment.
- Sometimes I go to places that are busy and noisy, like a shopping centre, supermarket, or playground.
- There may be lots of people walking, talking, and moving around me.
- I might hear loud sounds like music, machines, or beeping noises.
- The lights might be bright, and there can be many things to look at all at once.
- It is okay if busy places feel overwhelming sometimes. Even when it feels loud or busy, I am safe.
- If I start to feel worried or uncomfortable, there are things I can do to help myself feel calm.
- I can stay close to my parent, carer, or support person and hold their hand if I need to.
- If the noise is too loud, I can wear my headphones to make it quieter.
- I can take slow, deep breaths to help my body relax.
- I can ask for a break or let someone know I need to go to a quieter place.
- Busy places do not stay busy forever. When I visit a busy place and use my strategies, I can feel proud of myself.
Why this story matters
What we love about this story is that it doesn't try to tell a child that busy places
aren't overwhelming — because sometimes, they are. Instead, it validates that feeling, reassures the child that they're safe, and hands them a toolkit of simple, achievable coping strategies: staying close to a trusted person, using headphones, deep breathing, and asking for a break.
It also ends on an important note — busy places are temporary, and trying your best is something to feel proud of, regardless of the outcome.
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Tips for using this social story at home
- Read it before you go. Introduce the story a day or two before a planned outing, and again just before you leave, so it's fresh in your child's mind.
- Practise the strategies in a calm moment. Try slow breathing together at home, or let your child test out their headphones somewhere quiet first, so these tools feel familiar rather than new when they're needed most.
- Create a simple visual reminder. A small card listing the coping strategies (hold hands, headphones, deep breaths, ask for a break) can be a handy prompt while you're out.
- Praise the effort, not just the outcome. If your child manages even part of the outing calmly, celebrate that. Confidence builds gradually, one trip at a time.
- Debrief afterwards. A quick, low-pressure chat about how the outing went can help reinforce what worked and build a shared strategy for next time.
Support that goes further than a story
Every child is different, and for some families, a social story is just one part of a bigger picture. If your child could benefit from ongoing support around sensory regulation, anxiety, or building confidence in the community, an
occupational therapist,
psychologist, or experienced
support worker can make a real difference.
Karista helps families find home care and disability services — including therapists and
Support Workers — matched to their child's specific needs, funding, and location. It's a free, independent service, and our Client Services team can help take the admin off your plate too.
Get in touch with Karista to find support that's the right fit for your family.
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