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Social stories · Out and about · ages 5–9 · 2-minute read

Going to a birthday party: a social story

Parties are fun, and they can also be loud and busy. What usually happens, and what I can do.

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By the Cala Luna team · Reviewed 24 October 2026 · The research behind it

The story

Read it aloud together, one card at a time. Point to the pictures and let your child read the last card.

  1. Sometimes I am invited to a birthday party. A party is a way to celebrate someone's birthday.

  2. When I arrive, I say hello and give my present. The present is for the birthday child.

  3. There may be decorations, music and balloons. Sometimes a balloon pops. It is loud, then it stops.

  4. We play games and take turns. Sometimes I win, and sometimes someone else wins.

  5. Everyone sings "Happy Birthday". I can sing, clap or cover my ears.

  6. The birthday child blows out the candles. Then we can have some cake.

  7. If it feels too much, I can go to the quiet spot or tell my grown-up.

  8. At the end, I say thank you and goodbye.

  9. I went to the party and celebrated with my friend!

My calm plan

Pick one or two before the day, and practise them at home.

  • 🙉 Cover my ears
  • 🚪 Quiet spot
  • ✋ Break signal
  • 🧃 Have a drink

Free printable social story from calalunakids.com/social-stories/birthday-party/

Personalised social cartoon

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How to use this story (for grown-ups)

  • Ask the host what will happen and in what order, then make the story match: who will be there, the games and when the cake comes.
  • Practise arriving, saying hello and giving the present at home, and agree a quiet spot and a break signal before you go.
  • It is fine to go for part of the party, or to skip the loudest part, such as the singing. A short, happy party is a great start.
  • If your child has a restricted diet, bring a safe treat so they can join in at cake time. See also our loud places story.

Why these steps: what 30 years of research says about social stories.

Words that help

  • Try saying: "Some families open presents after the party."Instead of: "Your friend will open your present."
  • Try saying: "You can say thank you, even if the party bag is not your favourite."Instead of: "You have to like it."

Questions parents ask

Should I tell the host about my child's needs?

If you feel comfortable, yes. A quick message about noise, food or needing a break helps the host plan, and most hosts are glad to know.

My child gets upset when presents are not opened. What can I say?

Before the party, explain that some families open presents later. The story does not promise it, so there is no surprise.

More social stories

Out and about

Going to the supermarket

My picture list, my job, the busy aisles and the checkout queue.

Read the story →
Out and about

A playdate at a friend's house

Hello, house rules, taking turns, a snack, and thank you at the end.

Read the story →
Out and about

Loud places and noises

Parties, hand dryers, fire alarms and busy shops, with a calm plan.

Read the story →

All 28 social stories

We read the best free examples and guidance we could find, then wrote a shorter, simpler version in our own words: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Autism Roadmap): birthday party social story; Raising Children Network: parties and social events. Not medical advice; if you are worried about your child, talk to their school or doctor.