There is no single story format that fits every person or situation. Start with these ideas and adapt them as needed.
Use clear and familiar language
Focus on information that helps explain the situation. Short, direct sentences can make a story easier to read, understand, and revisit.
The dentist will look at my teeth.
The dental professional will perform an examination of my teeth.
Choose visuals that support the text
The visual and sentence should communicate the same main idea. Choose a visual that makes the action, object, place, or situation easy to recognize.
Keep decorative details limited when they do not help explain the main idea of the page.
Explain what may happen
A story can introduce the important parts of an experience in sequence. This can make the situation more familiar before it happens.
Avoid promising that every detail will happen exactly one way. When appropriate, words such as may, might, or sometimes can leave room for variation.
Include communication and useful options
When relevant, include practical ways the person can communicate what they need during the experience.
Show that taking a break may be an option when appropriate.
Include a way to ask when something is unclear.
Include ways to communicate when something feels uncomfortable.
Communication does not need to be spoken language.
Keep the story manageable
A longer story is not automatically more useful. Include enough information to explain the experience without adding details that do not support the purpose of the story.
A few focused pages may be enough to explain the main steps.
Additional pages can explain meaningful steps, choices, or changes.
Review and update the story
A saved story does not need to stay exactly the same. Update it when the situation changes or when different information becomes more useful.
The story should fit the person and situation
Communication preferences, useful levels of detail, and responses to visuals can differ. Customize the story rather than assuming one format will work for everyone.
Personal information is not required to create a useful story
You can describe an experience without including identifying details such as a child's full name, photograph, school, address, diagnosis, or other private information.
Put these ideas into practice
Start with a ready-made story or create your own from scratch.