The sun has broken through the clouds, the laundry is done and everyone has cabin fever. Time for a trip to the park?

But spontaneity doesn't work for Samantha Williamson and her twin four-year-old boys, Luke and Ben.

Luke Williamson (left) and twin brother Ben play at Brimbank Park. Credit:Joe Armao

Like many children who have an autism spectrum disorder, the boys like to follow routines or patterns. They get very anxious when situations are unknown or unpredictable. If a loud noise blares, for example, they freeze up with fear.

So Williamson uses simple stories – called social scripts – with her sons to rehearse future events she anticipates they might find difficult. For an overseas family holiday she made her own script, using simple text and pictures of aeroplanes and baggage carousels to acquaint them with unfamiliar concepts.