How it works

Why a story about your own child can land differently.

Generic social story templates are a good idea in theory. In practice, many neurodivergent children look at a cartoon character and feel nothing. The story isn't about them — it's about someone else, doing something they're supposed to relate to. When a story features your child's actual face, their name, and the specific details of their day, the brain processes it differently. It becomes a rehearsal, not just a story.

Last updated: October 2026

Why it works

What the research tells us — and what parents tell us.

Why personalisation works

Knowing what's coming takes the guesswork out of a new situation, and a visual story is a run-through before the real thing. A child who recognises themselves, the real room and the people they'll actually meet can have less to translate in their head on the day.

What parents tell us
  • "He actually picked it up and read it himself."
  • "She kept asking to see her page before bed."
  • "It was the first time he walked into the dentist without crying."

These are the moments Lionmain is built for.

Three steps

How it works.

01

Describe the situation

Write the way you'd explain it to a friend. No clinical language needed. For example: "Layla is going to have a haircut on Saturday. She finds the sound of scissors scary and doesn't like her neck being touched. She loves dogs and her favourite colour is yellow."

02

Add a photo or build an avatar

Upload a photo of your child, or build an avatar and we'll generate a realistic or storybook style picture of them. Your original photo isn't kept once your story is made.

03

Read it together tonight

In 3 to 5 minutes, you have a scene-by-scene visual story ready to read before bed — so tomorrow feels a little more familiar.

Try it for

Situations that work well.

First day at a new school or kinderDentist or doctor appointmentsHaircutsVisiting somewhere newA new sibling coming homeChanges to routineBirthday partiesBedtime routinesFlying for the first timeStarting therapyMeeting new peopleHospital visits

Try it tonight — your first story is free.

Describe the situation in your own words, add a photo or build an avatar, and have a personalised visual story ready before bedtime. No subscription, no commitment.

Create my free story →