When It’s Too Loud Social Story

This social story helps students with autism, nonverbal communication needs, AAC users, and students in special education learn what they can do when sounds feel too loud. It teaches simple coping strategies for noise sensitivity, sensory overload, communication, and self regulation.

Slide Overview

Sometimes It Is Loud
I Notice My Body
I Can Cover My Ears
I Can Use Headphones
I Can Move Away
I Can Ask for a Break
I Can Calm My Body
I Can Feel Better

Teachers, SLPs, and parents can use this social story at school, during speech therapy, in sensory spaces, or at home to prepare students for loud environments and practice safe ways to respond to uncomfortable sounds.

This resource includes 8 simple student facing story slides with clear first person language, consistent visuals, and practical coping strategies that are easy to review before or during noisy situations.

Keywords: autism AAC nonverbal social skills behavior support special education visual supports routines communication classroom management sensory overload noise sensitivity coping skills self regulation