When I Feel Worried - Autism Social Story and Activities for Special Education

When I Feel Worried – Autism Social Story, Action Plan Visuals & Discussion Worksheet Activities For Younger Children

Created by Amanda McGuinness, Autism & Visual Supports Specialist and founder of Little Puddins, this neuroaffirmative resource is designed to support Autistic learners in understanding, identifying, and navigating the experience of worry. Centring lived Autistic experiences, this social story and companion activities help children feel seen, supported, and empowered in moments of uncertainty or anxiety.

This is a digital product.

What’s Inside the Resource?

• A full-colour 19 page social story introducing the concept of worry using accessible, identity-affirming language
  
• Visuals that explore the physical and emotional experiences of worry
  
• A Worry Action Plan visual support system with steps like “tell,” “ask questions,” “write/draw,” “deep breaths,” “keep busy,” and “stay in control”, this includes 3 colour options to choose from.
  
• Scenario-based worksheets to practise applying worry strategies using the “Think it – Try it – Change it” framework - 8 Scenario Discussion Worksheets. Decide which strategy the student needs to pick to overcome their worry and have a positive outcome.
  
• Repetitive, consistent visuals to reinforce strategy use and increase emotional understanding
  
• Wholesome characters a gentle and familiar guide throughout the resource
  

Skills This Resource Supports:

• Emotional literacy and self-awareness
  
• Self-regulation and co-regulation
  
• Autonomy in managing difficult emotions
  
• Communication and self-advocacy
  
• Visual learning and comprehension
  
• Decision-making in challenging situations
  

Who Is This Resource For?

• Autistic children and neurodivergent learners
  
• Families looking for a visual, strengths-based way to talk about emotions
  
• Special education and mainstream teachers
  
• SNAs, classroom assistants, and therapists
  
• School-based and private clinicians
  
• Anyone supporting Autistic emotional well-being
  

Why Families & Professionals Love It:

• Developed by a trusted Autistic advocate and specialist
  
• Uses a strengths-based, neuroaffirmative approach
  
• Ideal for home, school, and therapy settings
  
• Supports children who struggle with anxiety, transitions, or emotional regulation
  
• Provides both proactive learning tools and reactive supports for moments of distress
  
• Includes practical visuals for daily use and discussion-based learning
  

Empower your learners to better understand and manage worry with this gentle, supportive resource designed through an Autistic lens. Download today and begin building confidence, understanding, and emotional resilience together.