Teacher Is Not At School – Substitute Teacher Social Story for Autistic Children

Teacher Is Not At School – Substitute Teacher Social Story for Autistic Children

Created by Amanda McGuinness | Little Puddins – Autism & Visual Supports Specialist

12 Page Social Story

Help your child/student feel safe and prepared when routines change at school.

This gentle, neuroaffirmative social story supports Autistic children in understanding and coping with the absence of their regular teacher. Using clear visuals and reassuring language, it introduces the concept of a substitute teacher in a positive, structured way—minimising anxiety and building confidence during uncertain moments.

What’s Inside This Resource?

• A child-friendly narrative featuring Auti, designed to explain:
  
  • Why a teacher might be absent
    
  • Who a substitute teacher is
    
  • How to adapt to classroom changes
    
  • Reassurance that their regular teacher will return
    

• Personalisation page to add the name and photo of the substitute teacher
  
• High-quality visuals with simple, affirming language
  

Skills This Resource Supports

• Emotional regulation during change
  
• Understanding unexpected school events
  
• Transition support and flexibility
  
• Building resilience and trust
  

Who Is This Resource For?

• Autistic children and neurodivergent learners
  
• Parents, caregivers, and educators
  
• School teams preparing students for teacher absences
  
• SNA and support staff in inclusive classrooms
  

Why Families & Professionals Love It

• Reduces school-related anxiety
  
• Promotes predictability and calm
  
• Developed by a leading Autism Specialist with lived experience insight
  
• Beautifully designed and easy to personalise

Wearing A School Uniform Social Story

This resource has been designed for students who are required to wear a uniform to school.

The visual nature of this resource will support Autistic stability and visual processing strengths.

This is a digital PDF resource.