One of the most common challenges parents face day to day is how to help their autistic child get more organized, while also supporting their communication and connection with others.
Today, I will share one practical way you can use picture cards, like those used in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), to help your child understand and organize their day.
This technique is called Visual Schedules. Let’s get started.
RESOURCES
Before you start, I recommend downloading our 121 free colored PECS cards from our website by clicking here (unless you have already done so).
What are Visual Schedules?
Visual schedules is a broad term that refers to the use of any type of visual tool (with photos, drawings, words, numbers) that helps an individual to understand what will be happening when. Schedules can provide an overview of a month, a week, a day, an hour, or the steps within an activity.
There are many different types of visual schedules. The simplest one, which I will share with you today, is the horizontal Now > Then > Later sequence board.
What is a Now > Then > Later Visual Schedule?
With a Now > Then > Later board, you show three activities that will happen in order. A simple example is a morning routine to help your child get ready for school.
How to use a Now > Then > Later Visual Board
With the free PECS cards you have downloaded, you can start creating basic visual schedules straight away. Follow this approach:
- Download the free schedule template from the resource box above. It has several pages with the same layout.
- Print a copy.
- Choose the everyday activities you want to create visuals for. To keep things simple, start with two or three.
- Go to your free PECS library, find the cards you need among the 121 available, and print them.
- Stick the cards on the template with Blu Tack, sticky tape or glue to create a board.
- Put the board somewhere your child can easily see it.
- If the board becomes really useful, consider laminating it so it lasts.
Tips for introducing a visual schedule
- Start with something your child enjoys. Putting a favorite activity in the “Later” spot shows your child that the board leads to good things, not only to demands.
- Use it at calm times first. Introduce the board when your child is relaxed, rather than in the middle of a stressful transition.
- Show, then say. Point to the picture as you name the activity, and keep your words short.
- Let your child move the cards. Taking a card off or turning it over when an activity is finished gives your child a sense of control and completion.
- Prepare for changes. If plans change, update the board with your child so the change is visible, not a surprise.
- Grow it slowly. Once your child is comfortable with three steps, you can move to a longer daily schedule.
Visual schedules work because many autistic children process what they see more easily than what they hear, and they feel calmer when they know what is coming next. The aim is not to make your child follow orders, but to make their day more predictable and less stressful.
That’s it! Your journey begins now. Good luck!
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
