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Social stories · Feelings and friends · ages 5–9 · 2-minute read

When plans change: a social story

For children who find surprises and last-minute changes hard. Changes happen; here is what I can do.

Read the story

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. I like knowing what will happen next.

  2. Sometimes plans change. It might rain, a place might be closed, or someone might be unwell.

  3. A change can be a surprise. I might feel cross, sad or worried.

  4. A grown-up tells me what will happen instead.

  5. I can calm my body: slow breaths, squeeze my hands or have a hug.

  6. Sometimes there is a Plan B. I can choose between two new things.

  7. My picture schedule can show the change, so I can see the new plan.

  8. Sometimes the new plan turns out OK, or even fun.

My calm plan

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

  • 🫁 Slow breaths
  • ✊ Squeeze my hands
  • 🅱️ Choose Plan B
  • 🗓️ Check my schedule

Free printable social story from calalunakids.com/social-stories/when-plans-change/

Personalised social cartoon

Want this story with your child as the hero?

Cala Luna created personalised social cartoons: the social-story method, as a cartoon starring your child. Two minutes, their name, a hero who looks like them, and this exact moment, one small step at a time.

$12.99 · ready in 24 hours · checked by a person

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Teo, a small lynx in a big yellow sun hat

How to use this story (for grown-ups)

  • Use a picture schedule with "after lunch" rather than exact times, and add a "?" card that means "something might change".
  • Practise with nice surprises first (a small change that leads to something fun), then build up to changes your child likes less.
  • When you can, warn early, show the change on the schedule and offer a simple choice between two Plan Bs.
  • Teach calming steps when your child is calm, so they are ready to use when a change happens.

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

Words that help

  • Try saying: "The park is closed. We can choose: library or the beach?"Instead of: "Stop making a fuss, it's only a small change."
  • Try saying: "Plans can change. Let's look at the new plan together."Instead of: "This will never happen again."

Questions parents ask

Why does my child melt down over small changes?

For many children, especially autistic children, predictability makes the world feel safe. A change takes that safety away for a moment. Visual warnings and practice make changes more manageable over time.

Should I avoid all changes?

No. Changes are part of life. Small, supported changes, with a warning and a plan, help your child build flexibility.

More social stories

Feelings and friends

Saying sorry

Calm down first, say what I did, then help make it better.

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Feelings and friends

Losing a game

Big feelings, small words: "good game" and "can we play again?".

Read the story →
Feelings and friends

Waiting my turn

A timer, a song and "Can I go next?" make waiting easier.

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: Raising Children Network: helping your autistic child cope with change; National Autistic Society: dealing with change. Not medical advice; if you are worried about your child, talk to their school or doctor.