Ella’s classmates did not like her. And in their childish way, they made no secrets about it. But really, it was not surprising; Ella has developed the unfortunate habit of compulsive stealing. In Ella’s classroom, it was not strange to hear someone distraught about a ‘disappeared’ snack, or crying over a prize that ‘’went missing’’.

At a loss, Ella’s teacher helped enrol her in a ‘’Kidz Socialize’’ group. Using ‘’social stories’’ Ella was helped to see the consequences of her actions – will her friends like her? What are they thinking? Feeling?

At the same time, the facilitator realised that it was Ella’s poor self-image that was at the root of this issue. With ongoing support, activities and discussions, she began to realise and value the inner gifts she had to offer in friendship.

Slowly, as her budding self-esteem emerged, her self-sabotaging behaviour decreased. She is regaining the trust of her peers and has now started developing real friendships!