Children with autism have difficulty communicating and interacting with others. Lacking in social skills, they may exhibit symptoms of withdrawal, abnormal language patterns, and a preoccupation with unusual routines, behaviors, and objects. Therapists working with these children can create social stories to improve social functioning and behavior. Social stories are brief narratives that describe situations in terms of social cues and appropriate responses. They are individualized to the needs and abilities of the child and can be used to help children behave appropriately in social situations and to develop problem-solving skills.