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When Plans Change Suddenly
1/8

Illustrations still show Sammy.

One-time per story. Takes about 2 minutes.

Portrait of sammy
calm
My Predictable Day
● Reading...
My bedroom

My Predictable Day

I like knowing what happens next. My morning routine helps me feel ready. I enjoy my art time after breakfast. I know when it is time to play with my cars.

I like knowing what happens next. My morning routine helps me feel ready. I enjoy my art time after breakfast. I know when it is time to play with my cars.

My Predictable Day

I like knowing what's next. My routine helps me. I like art after breakfast. I know when to play cars.

done done
Portrait of sammy
anxious
A Surprise Change
● Reading...
Living room

A Surprise Change

Sometimes, plans change without warning. Today, my train play was cut short. My grown-up said we needed to leave early. This made my body feel tight and hot.

Sometimes, plans change without warning. Today, my train play was cut short. My grown-up said we needed to leave early. This made my body feel tight and hot.

A Surprise Change

Plans can change fast. My train play stopped. We had to leave early. My body felt tight.

page-2 page-2
Portrait of sammy
curious
Understanding My Feelings
● Reading...
Car

Understanding My Feelings

When plans change, my brain gets a surprise. My body might want to escape the new situation. It is okay to feel confused or upset. My grown-up helps me understand these feelings.

When plans change, my brain gets a surprise. My body might want to escape the new situation. It is okay to feel confused or upset. My grown-up helps me understand these feelings.

Understanding My Feelings

Changes surprise my brain. My body wants to escape. It is okay to feel upset. My grown-up helps me.

bubble bubble
Portrait of sammy
hopeful
Finding My Calm
● Reading...
Park bench

Finding My Calm

I can ask for a quiet break when I feel overwhelmed. Taking a few deep breaths can help my body calm down. My grown-up can sit with me. We can talk about the new plan.

I can ask for a quiet break when I feel overwhelmed. Taking a few deep breaths can help my body calm down. My grown-up can sit with me. We can talk about the new plan.

Finding My Calm

I can ask for a break. Deep breaths help me calm. My grown-up sits with me. We talk about new plans.

question question
calm calm
Portrait of sammy
determined
Trying a New Way
● Reading...
Grocery store aisle

Trying a New Way

Today, we stopped at the store unexpectedly. My body felt tight again, but I remembered to breathe. I can try to ask my grown-up for help. They can remind me about the new plan.

Today, we stopped at the store store unexpectedly. My body felt tight again, but I remembered to breathe. I can try to ask my grown-up for help. They can remind me about the new plan.

Trying a New Way

We stopped at the store. My body felt tight. I remembered to breathe. I can try to ask for help. They tell me the new plan.

store store
bubble bubble
Portrait of sammy
proud
Growing Stronger Every Day
● Reading...
My room

Growing Stronger Every Day

I am learning to manage unexpected changes. My grown-ups are proud of my efforts. I am finding ways to feel calm and safe. Every day, I am getting better at. understanding my feelings and asking for help.

I am learning to manage unexpected changes. My grown-ups are proud of my efforts. I am finding ways to feel calm and safe. Every day, I am getting better at. understanding my feelings and asking for help.

Growing Stronger Every Day

I am learning about changes. My grown-ups are proud. I find ways to feel calm. I am getting better every day.

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SammyStories was built by parents of an autistic child who couldn't find the tools their son needed. What started as a project for one family became a mission for every family. Every story, every feature, and every design choice is shaped by real lived experience.

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Disclaimer: withSammy provides educational support tools and resources. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, medical advice, or emergency care. Content is informed by evidence-based practices (including Carol Gray's Social Stories™ criteria) and reviewed by qualified clinicians, but does not constitute clinical treatment. If your child is in crisis, contact your local emergency services or crisis line.

Social Stories™ is a trademark of Carol Gray (est. 1991). withSammy is not affiliated with or endorsed by Carol Gray. carolgraysocialstories.com

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