Shared Stories Studio exists to support understanding, communication, and autonomy—especially for learners who do not thrive with compliance-based approaches.
Many story-based supports are well-intentioned, but they often rely on scripts, expectations, or adult-defined “right answers.” For some learners, these approaches increase stress rather than clarity.
Shared Stories Studio was created to offer a different option: stories that support shared understanding rather than behavioral compliance.
About the founder
Shared Stories Studio was created by Kim Singleton, MS, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist and educator with more than 30 years of experience supporting students with diverse communication, regulation, and learning profiles.
With a specialization in assistive technology and AAC, Kim’s work has focused on helping learners access communication and participation through collaborative problem-solving and inclusive design.
Across classrooms, therapy spaces, homes, and educational systems, one theme became clear: many students needed fewer scripts and demands—and more opportunities to build shared understanding with the adults around them.
Shared Stories Studio reflects that shift.
It is an effort to create story-based supports that respect the learner’s perspective while helping adults communicate expectations and safety in ways that feel predictable, flexible, and humane.
The Origin of Shared Stories Studio
Shared Stories Studio grew out of years of working with students who were often described as “difficult,” “resistant,” or “non-compliant.”
Again and again, a different pattern emerged: when students truly understood what was happening — and when adults slowed down enough to build that understanding together — many of the struggles began to ease. Not because expectations were enforced more firmly. Because the learner finally had language, context, and agency within the situation.
Not because expectations were enforced more firmly, but because the learner finally had language, context, and agency within the situation.
Shared Stories Studio was created to support that kind of learning:
learning that begins with understanding.
What makes Shared Stories different
Shared Stories Studio resources are designed to be:
• developmentally appropriate without being limiting
• flexible rather than prescriptive
• built for collaboration, not compliance
• respectful of diverse communication and regulation needs
These stories aim to reduce uncertainty, invite reflection, and support self-advocacy.
They are not written to control behavior or enforce uniform responses.
How the Work Is Informed
Shared Stories Studio is informed by a combination of professional experience, ongoing learning, and listening—especially to autistic adults and families who have shared how different approaches feel from the inside.
The work draws thoughtfully from:
• narrative-based supports such as Social Stories principles
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• co-creation practices that include the learner’s voice
• autonomy-respecting, pressure-reducing design
These influences are blended intentionally rather than followed rigidly.
Shared Stories Studio resources are also designed with AAC users in mind, supporting multiple ways of expressing understanding, needs, and preferences without requiring spoken language.
Important Note
Shared Stories Studio does not offer diagnoses, therapy, or clinical guidance.
These resources are designed to support conversation, understanding, and shared problem-solving, alongside the knowledge of families and professionals who know the learner best.