Using Visual Schedules will do several important things for you and your child:

1. Provide predictability (I know what’s coming next), therefore reducing the anxiety of the unknown.

2. Provide a visual road map that the child can mentally reference throughout the day/outing (“after the swing we go see the fish in the fish pond”).

3. Something you can return to throughout the day that doesn’t rely on confusing or misunderstood language (“fish pond”, “swings”, “Anthony’s office”, etc.).

4. You will be communicating more effectively.Children on the spectrum often think more visually than verbally.

Materials Needed: Preferably a dry erase white board  and markers (paper and a pen will do just fine), some artistic ability:)

Example of a Visual Schedule I used with a young Client and his Father (dad’s verbal plan on left, child’s visual plan on right):

• Overarching goal: working on improving transitions, reducing anxious response (tantrum) when out in the community.
• Goal for Dad: feel confident setting limits and managing transitions without disruptive behavior.
• Goal for Child: Successfully transitioning from one activity to the next, understanding the timer means “next activity”, and using the visual schedule as a mental map to reference throughout the day.

Recommendations for your first try:

1. Start simple. Try this on a short, enjoyable outing (ex: 45 minutes) that has minimal transitions (less than 3).

2. Use the timer to help your child through each transition (reference previous post on Timers) and reduce power struggles.

3. Create a short transition routine (ex: 3 claps, 2 deep breaths, say something like “transition” or “change”).

4. Use ridiculous amounts of praise at each stage of the outing.

Another visual example: