Using Social Stories & Comic Strip Conversations to Support Communication (Online Session)

Some neurodivergent children and young people may experience differences in communication and social interaction. Understanding unwritten social rules, expressing emotions, or explaining everyday experiences can sometimes be challenging, which can lead to frustration or confusion for both the child and those supporting them.

This practical and informative online session is designed to help carers better understand these challenges and learn effective, evidence-informed tools to support communication and social understanding.

The session will introduce Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations; two widely used and accessible approaches that can help children and young people make sense of social situations, express their thoughts and feelings, and build confidence in navigating everyday interactions.

Social Stories can help break down situations into clear, structured explanations, offering guidance on what to expect and how to respond. Comic Strip Conversations use simple drawings and visual supports to help children reflect on social interactions, understand different perspectives, and communicate their experiences more easily.

During the session, participants will:

•    Gain an understanding of why some neurodivergent children and young people may find communication and social situations challenging
•    Learn how to create and use Social Stories to support understanding of everyday situations and routines
•    Explore how Comic Strip Conversations can help children express themselves and reflect on events
•    Develop skills to support children in explaining their thoughts, feelings, and experiences
•    Build confidence in using practical tools to improve communication and reduce anxiety

The session will include clear examples, step-by-step guidance, and opportunities for reflection, helping you feel confident in applying these approaches in real-life situations.

Delivered online, this session can be accessed from the comfort of your own home and provides a supportive, informative environment for learning at your own pace.

By the end of the session, you will have a greater understanding of how to support communication in a compassionate and effective way, along with practical tools you can use to help the child or young person better understand and navigate their world.