Can’t you picture your kids splashing around in that water park? I know I can. I can see it so clearly – the smiles on their faces, the way the sun glints off the water right before they jump in the pool… but then, they don’t jump in. They stop. Anxiety kicks in, and suddenly, the whole day is off track. That outing, the one you so meticulously planned, is ruined. A visual schedule is a tool that can help autistic children understand the sequence of activities throughout their day. It can also help with receptive language and provide meaning. Visual schedules can change the whole trajectory of a child’s day and sometimes even a whole week as an indirect result. Let’s examine how autism visual schedules can help your child develop coping skills, regulate emotions, understand routines, and become better communicators.
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What is an Autism Visual Schedule?
A visual schedule is a set of pictures, photos, drawings, words, or objects that help kids with special needs know what will happen next. Many kids with autism struggle with changes in routine or find unexpected transitions challenging. A visual schedule can provide a concrete representation of an activity or event, giving them a sense of what to expect. With this knowledge, children may feel more comfortable and less anxious
How Does a Visual Schedule for Autism Work?
A visual schedule can give your child a sense of order and predictability, which can help with:
- Calming down and reducing anxiety: By seeing the day’s planned events, autistic kids are better able to predict what will happen, decreasing anxiety and increasing feelings of control.
- Improving transitions throughout the day: Visual schedules can make transitions between activities and places less stressful by providing a visual reminder of what’s coming next.
- Supporting independence and encouraging communication: Using a visual schedule allows kids to track their day with visual reminders, increasing independence and boosting self-confidence. It can also be a starting point for conversations with caregivers about their schedules.
Read more: Visual Learning for Autism
Types of Visual Schedules for Autism
You can choose the visual schedule that works best for your child based on their needs. Here are some standard visual schedules for kids with autism:
- Object-based schedules: These use actual objects to represent activities. For instance, you might give your child their toothbrush to signal that it’s time to brush their teeth.
- Picture-based schedules use pictures of objects, activities, or locations.
- Written schedules: These use written words or short phrases to represent activities. They might be a good choice for kids with solid reading skills.
- Hybrid schedules: These schedules combine pictures and words.
- Choice boards: These present kids with various visual schedule options, allowing them to help determine their schedule and providing a sense of control.
How to Make a Visual Schedule for Autism
Here are some pointers to help you create a visual schedule:
- Involve your child: Get them involved in making their visual schedule so they feel ownership.
- Use clear and recognizable visuals: The symbols on the schedule should be easy to understand.
- Place and use the schedule consistently: Establishing a designated spot for your child’s visual schedule is essential. They should be encouraged to reference it often.
Build Custom Printable Visual Schedules
Is your child having trouble managing their routines? Here’s a free visual schedule builder. Goally’s custom tool allows you to create printable personalized schedules that motivate your child to focus on their tasks. Perfect for morning, homework, and bedtime routines, this free visual schedule builder is easy to use and will help your child reach their full potential.
Click below to make your CUSTOM printable visual schedule! 👇
Example Autism Visual Schedule for Home Activities
Picture this scenario: It’s time to get ready for bed, but your child refuses to bathe. Having a visual schedule in place can help to avoid a meltdown!
Here’s a sample visual schedule for nighttime routines:
| Task | Visual Symbol |
|---|---|
| Bathtime | Picture of a bathtub |
| Brush teeth | Picture of a toothbrush |
| Get pajamas on | Picture of pajamas |
| Storytime | Picture of a book |
| Go to bed | Picture of a bed |
Autism Visual Schedule Ideas for School
A visual schedule can be a valuable tool if your child attends school. Here’s how it can be used:
- Classroom visual schedule: A schedule can help your child feel more at ease within a classroom setting and during changes or transitions throughout the day at school.
- Individual visual schedule: Your child might carry a visual schedule for specific activities or more complex tasks.
Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids
Here are some tips for using a visual schedule:
- Teach the child to use the visual support, checking and finishing one step at a time
- Use a change card for positive changes
- Attach symbols to boards so that people know where to go to look at them
- Use Velcro strips to attach symbols to a board, meaning schedules can be easily altered
Additional Ways to Help Your Neurodivergent Child
A visual schedule is just one of the many ways you can help your child navigate the world around them. Here are some other things you can do:
- Learn about different behavioral therapies. Behavioral therapies such as ABA therapy can help autistic kids gain coping skills and reduce problem behaviors. A study published in the journal Pediatrics concluded that applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy can significantly improve learning, reasoning, and communication skills.
- Seek occupational therapy services: Occupational therapy can enhance your child’s social skills, self-regulation, fine and gross motor skills, and self-help activities of daily living, among other skills crucial to their success and happiness.
- Create calming spaces. Set up a quiet space where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
- Communicate with your child’s teacher. Please talk with your child’s teacher about strategies they’re using in the classroom. You can collaborate to support your neurodivergent child consistently at home and school.
Goally | Routines that Actually Work
Goally’s skill building tablet for kids has routines that break down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning. See it in action:
Having a visual schedule can bring much-needed structure and predictability into your child’s life, and it can help to improve your child’s behavior, communication, and overall well-being.
Credible Relevant Sources:
- Autism Speaks Website: This is a well-known autism research and advocacy organization. This website section has a wealth of information on the benefits of visual schedules, examples of various types of visual schedules, and tips on selecting the right one for your child.
- The National Autism Center Website: This is a research and advocacy organization. Their goal is to provide evidence-based, reliable information and resources. Their information is often cited by other autism experts.
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC): The CDC provides resources on various aspects of autism, including visual schedules. This government agency conducts research and provides information on a wide range of health topics.
FAQs About Autism Visual Schedule
What is an Autism Visual Schedule? An Autism Visual Schedule is a tool that uses pictures or symbols to help individuals with autism understand their daily routine and upcoming activities. How does an Autism Visual Schedule benefit individuals with autism? Visual schedules help individuals with autism better understand their surroundings, reduce anxiety, increase predictability, and develop independence. How can I create an Autism Visual Schedule? You can create an Autism Visual Schedule using pictures, symbols, or a combination of both. There are also various software programs and apps that can help you create a visual schedule. How do I introduce an Autism Visual Schedule to my child? It's important to introduce the visual schedule gradually and consistently, using positive reinforcement and modeling. You can also involve your child in the creation of the schedule to increase their engagement and ownership. How do I know if an Autism Visual Schedule is right for my child? An Autism Visual Schedule can be helpful for individuals with autism who struggle with understanding and adapting to their daily routine. It's important to consider your child's unique needs and consult with a healthcare professional before implementing a visual schedule.
This post was originally published on 07/27/2021. It was updated on 03/08/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
