Paying at a Store Social Story for Teens and Young Adults

Help teens and young adults with autism, developmental disabilities, or other support needs learn how to pay at a store independently using this ready-to-use, functional social story. Designed with clear visuals, age-appropriate AAC symbols, and structured language, this resource supports learners in waiting in line, following checkout routines, handling money or cards, and completing purchases safely and appropriately.

This real-world life skills resource is ideal for community-based instruction, transition programs, vocational classrooms, and functional academic settings.

Why Educators and Therapists Use This Resource

This social story supports the development of money management, social communication, and community participation skills. Learners practice expected versus unexpected behaviors, turn-taking, listening to directions, and responding appropriately during checkout interactions. These skills promote independence, confidence, and problem-solving, helping learners successfully navigate everyday community routines.

Resource Features

• Two social story versions (short and extended) for flexible instruction and differentiation

• Clear, age-appropriate visuals and AAC symbols designed specifically for teens and young adults

• Step-by-step instruction for store payment routines, money handling, and checkout communication

• Supports self-regulation, attention, perspective-taking, and independent decision-making

• Two 3×4 static AAC displays using Adaptive Ed Symbols

  • Functional communication for checkout interactions (e.g., help, wait, thank you)

  • Fringe vocabulary focused on payment strategies and store behaviors

Included Activities

• WH questions (visual and open-ended)

• Yes/No comprehension questions

• Matching and memory activities

• Sentence strip practice

• Expected vs. unexpected behavior sorting task

• Coloring page

• Inferencing activities

• Predicting outcomes

• Perspective-taking questions

• Vocabulary word search

• AAC symbol displays for accessibility

Available Formats

• PDF for immediate use

• Editable Canva file to customize language, visuals, and layout

• Editable PowerPoint to adapt stories and activities for individual learners

Ideal For

• Community-based instruction and real-world practice

• Life skills and functional academic programs

• Transition and vocational education

• One-to-one or small group instruction

• Speech-language therapy

• Teaching money skills, social communication, and independence

Help learners with autism and other support needs build confidence, follow store routines, and practice safe, appropriate payment skills. This engaging social story and companion activities support functional AAC communication, life skills development, and real-world independence.

Save with the Full Social Stories Bundle

This resource is part of a growing collection of 75+ leveled social stories designed for teens and young adults, with hundreds of pages of extension activities. When you purchase the full bundle, you save significantly and receive all future additions at no additional cost. Smaller topical bundles are also available in the shop.