That’s okay!
Sometimes I get sad. Everyone gets sad sometimes.
Free printable social story
Sadness Social Story for Kids
- Everyone gets sad sometimes
- Engine too low? Hug, talk, music
- Engine too high? Breathe, count
- Back to just right
This free 6-page printable story tells a child that feeling sad is okay, and gives eight gentle ways to bring their engine back to just right.
Eight comfort choices on two pages, so your child can pick what helps them most.
Get the free story
Enter your name and email. The download page opens right away.
Free. No payment needed.
What is inside the free PDF
Simple words, friendly pictures and eight comfort choices a child can really use.
My engine runs too low
Hug a favourite toy, talk to someone, ask for hugs, or listen to music.
My engine runs too high
Take deep breaths, count to ten, ask for help, or drink some water.
Now I feel better!
The story ends calm and smiling, with the engine back to just right.
How to use it
- First
Read it on a calm day
Read the story together when everyone is relaxed, so it is familiar before a sad moment comes.
- Then
Pick favourite choices
Let your child point to the comfort choices they like best, like a hug, music or a favourite toy.
- Next
Keep the helpers close
Keep the favourite toy, the music or a water bottle easy to reach, so the choices are ready when needed.
Questions parents ask
What is this social story about?
It is a 6-page story that helps children with autism understand sadness and find a way to feel better.
Who can use it?
Parents, teachers and therapists helping a child with big feelings.
Can I print it?
Yes. The story is a printable PDF that works at home, in the classroom or in therapy.
Why talk about sadness?
Naming the feeling and having a few comfort choices ready helps a child feel safe and recover sooner.
How long does it take to read?
Just a few minutes, so it is easy to read again whenever it is needed.
Is it free?
Yes. AutismWorks gives this story free to families and teachers.
Made by Tyler and his dad, Jody
Tyler McNamer is an autistic adult and the author of two books about growing up with autism, Population ONE and Becoming ONE. With his dad, Jody, he makes these free social stories so parents and teachers have simple words for hard moments.
190,000+books sold35,000+story downloads
Meet Tyler →