I am Going to the Hospital to Have Surgery

WHY USE A SOCIAL STORY FOR SURGERY?

Surgery involves many unfamiliar people, places, sounds, routines, and expectations. Providing information ahead of time through social stories and visual supports can help children become more familiar with the experience and understand what will happen next.

This kit is designed to make surgery preparation more predictable, visual, and encouraging while giving adults practical tools to support the child before, during, and after the experience. Perfect for medical preparation, autism visual supports, social-emotional learning, and helping children feel more confident about surgery.

I am Going to the Hospital to Have Surgery social story uses clear visuals and simple language to explain what surgery is and what to expect before and after surgery. It goes through each step of going to the hospital starting with getting to the hospital, changing into a gown, getting an IV, and waking up. It also talks about what the desired behavior is when getting ready to go into surgery and when you wake up from surgery.

What’s Included:

• I am Going to the Hospital to Have Surgery Social Story – A child-friendly story that explains what may happen before, during, and after surgery in a simple and reassuring way.
• Celebratory Story: “I Did a Great Job at the Hospital – A positive story to celebrate the child’s success.
• Picture/Sequence Visuals – Help children understand the steps of the surgery experience and what happens next.
• Picture Cards – to prompt the child and for the child to communicate how they are feeling.
• Breathing Exercise Visual– to help calm the child before and after the surgery.
• First/Then Board – Provides a clear visual representation of what the child needs to do and what comes afterward.
• Incentive Pictures & Stickers – Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation.
• Sticker Chart – Gives children a visual way to track their progress and celebrate their accomplishments.
• Implementation Guide & Ideas – Suggestions for using the materials before and after surgery.
• Helpful Tips – Practical strategies for parents and caregivers supporting a child through a medical experience.

GREAT FOR:

✓ Children with autism or other developmental differences

✓ Children who experience anxiety around medical visits

✓ Parents and caregivers preparing a child for surgery

✓ Preparing children for an unfamiliar medical experience

✓ Increasing understanding of what to expect

✓ Supporting communication and visual learning

✓ Reducing anxiety through preparation and predictability

✓ Building confidence and encouraging successful participation

All Positively Prepared stories are written using positive language and simple illustrations/words to reduce visual clutter and increase understanding.

Social Story™ and Social Stories™ are trademarks of Carol Gray. This product is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or created by Carol Gray.