A visual schedule is an organizational tool that uses photos, pictures and/or words to help people know what will come next. These schedules can be used for explaining all the different activities occurring within one day, or it may be used to explain the major event of each day of the week or month, it could also be used to only show days that vary from a normal schedule
Why Are Schedules Important
All children can benefit from a visual schedule! People with Autism may find this especially helpful because they are wired in a way that their brains crave patterns and predictability. Knowing exactly what comes next is important because it reduces anxiety. People with Autism can get overwhelmed by the anxiety of “not knowing” that may cause behavioral issues or meltdowns. Simply being able to see what comes next reduces that worry and increases the person’s compliance since they may see the schedule as a rigid rule that they have to follow.
Variation
It is also important to note that schedules should have slight variations each day to prepare the person for days that unexpected circumstances arise. Occasionally putting tasks in a different order or adding in new desirable activities once in awhile, like going to the park, can help the person grasp the idea that sometimes things will be different but they will always be posted on the schedule. This helps the person feel less anxiety because although the actual activities are not consistent the concept of a schedule displaying whatever is planned for the day remains consistent. Being able to rely on a schedule helps increase functioning on days where unexpected trips to the store or doctor’s office may come up.
Getting Started with Visual Schedules
There are tons of ways to make visual schedules, some use words, some use photos, others use clipart images. First you have to decide what type of schedule is needed: specific activities, after school routine, weekly activities etc.
Often times many schedules will be needed. For instance, having a weekly schedule displaying the day of the week and main event occurring (Monday-Friday: school, Saturday: shopping, Sunday: baseball game), a schedule that displays a specific morning routine (get up, brush teeth, put on pants, put on shirt, put on socks, eat breakfast, put on coat), then having a visual schedule at their school/daycare of their academic activities (playground, circle time, snack time, choice time, music class) and another specific schedule for evening activities. Having a “first then” board can also be helpful for transitioning to activities.
Older children may just want a general overview of their day (get ready, go to school, piano class, homework, dinner, bed) or even just a broad weekly or monthly schedule (dentist appointment, doctors appointments, dance class).
Getting Started
You can find pre-made visual schedules on Amazon and Etsy. I also offer personalized visuals or can teach you how to make your own through my Parent Coaching Services.
