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Visual Schedules

Guiding Your Child Through Their Day

Visual schedules are powerful tools for autistic individuals, providing predictability, reducing anxiety, and promoting independence by showing them what to expect next.

What Are Visual Schedules?

Visual schedules use pictures, symbols, or written words to represent a sequence of activities or events. They help individuals with ASD understand their daily routines and transitions.

Why Use Visual Schedules?

Visual schedules offer numerous benefits, helping autistic children navigate their world with greater ease and confidence.

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Reduce Anxiety

Predictability helps alleviate stress and uncertainty.
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Promote Independence

Children can follow the schedule independently.
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Improve Communication

Provides a concrete way to communicate expectations.
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Ease Transitions

Helps prepare children for changes in activities.

Reported Benefits of Visual Schedules

This chart illustrates common benefits reported by parents and educators using visual schedules for individuals with ASD.

100%
50%
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Reduced Anxiety

Β 

Increased Independence

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Improved Transitions

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Better Communication

Types of Visual Schedules

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    First/Then Boards: Simple schedules showing two activities.
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    Daily Schedules: Outline the entire day's activities, often with a "finished" box.
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    Activity Schedules: Break down a single activity into smaller, manageable steps.
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    Transition Cards: Single cards used to signal an upcoming change in activity.

Tips for Success

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    Keep it Simple: Don't overload the schedule when starting out.
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    Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust the schedule if unexpected changes occur.
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    Incorporate Preferred Activities: Include favorite activities to motivate your child.
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    Use Real Photos: For some children, real photos can be more effective than generic symbols.
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    Celebrate Success: Positively reinforce your child's use of the schedule.

Recommended Visual Schedule Tools & Resources

Explore these resources to help you create or find visual schedules: