Visual Supports:

A visual schedule is a common visual support that can be used to facilitate daily routines. This schedule is a visual representation of what is going to happen throughout the day or within a task or activity. 

❓Why might I use a visual schedule? 

You may use a visual schedule with your child to show them the steps in a task or routine. Seeing each part can help your child complete the task one step at a time. Also, if your child is anxious or has trouble with transitions between tasks, it can be helpful because it shows them when certain activities will occur throughout the day.  

⌚When might I use a visual schedule? 

After your child uses a ‘first-then’ board successfully, you can develop a longer schedule for a series of activities throughout the day. Visual schedules can be created for any routines across the day!  

📋How do I teach and use a visual schedule with my child? 

1. Decide which activities are a part of your schedule and put them in the appropriate order. Try to mix up desirable and undesirable activities (we all like to have something desirable to look forward to after we have worked hard!)  

2. Put the visuals that you have created on a schedule. This schedule can be portable (e.g., binder cover or clipboard) or more permanent (e.g., a poster on a wall or refrigerator). Ideally, your child can easily see their schedule and reach it during their activities.  

3. When your child is learning to use a visual schedule, you can talk them through how it works. Encourage them to check the schedule to see what comes next. To help, you can guide them to look at the schedule and say “check your schedule”. As time progresses, gradually decrease your cues and allow your child to check their schedule independently.  

4. When a task on the schedule is complete it’s important to indicate that. Check it off, or have your child move the visual off the schedule to a ‘done’ location (e.g., an envelope, or the other side of the schedule). Once an item has been removed or checked-off, prompt your child to check their schedule again and transition to the next activity. Remember, following a visual schedule is a skill that children take time to learn so using it often and consistently will be most helpful. 

✅When you create a visual schedule, your child should be able to use the schedule to help them understand the following: 

• What am I supposed to be doing?  

• How do I know that I am making progress?  

• How do I know when I am done?  

• What will happen next?