Dec 156 min read

What Kind of Visual Schedule Should I Use for My Autistic Child?

Child pointing to picture on autism visual schedule that says, "Summer Schedule" with images — Choosing a visual schedule can be overwhelming because there are so many styles.

Which Kind of Visual Schedule Should I Use for My Autistic Child?

Visual schedules are a common tool used with autistic children. Autism visual schedules can provide structure, reduce anxiety, and help children build independence by giving them a clear understanding of what to expect throughout their day.

A visual schedule uses pictures, words, or tangible items to represent each activity in a sequence, helping children transition smoothly between tasks. The pictures are not used for the child to communicate, request or answer questions, rather it is a concrete way to understand what is going to happen. Curious about how visual schedules differ from other tools like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)? Click here to learn more about the similarities and differences between these supports and how they can complement each other.https://www.autism-talk.com/autism-turn-taking-tipscomparing-pecs-and-visual-schedules-a-guide-for-parents-of-autistic-children

In this post, I'll discuss some of the different kinds of visual schedules you may want to try, the materials you can use, and tips for selecting the perfect fit for your child’s needs.

Why Autism Visual Schedules Work

Many autistic children thrive on predictability. Unexpected changes or transitions can be difficult, but a visual schedule provides a tangible way for them to understand and anticipate what comes next.

child brushing teeth in front of a mirror that has a brushing teeth visual schedule for showing the steps of toothbrushing. — Free toothbrushing visual schedule.

Visual schedules can:

Reduce anxiety by offering reassurance about daily routines.
Increase independence by showing children what’s expected without constant verbal reminders.
Support transitions between activities, minimizing meltdowns or resistance.
Provide a sense of accomplishment as tasks are completed and marked off.

Types of Visual Schedules

There are almost as many types of visuals schedules as there are children who would benefit from them and it can seem a bit overwhelming when you are just beginning. Each type has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your child’s preferences and developmental stage as well as your own organizational preference.

An autism visual schedule for washing hands that shows photo images of each step.

1. Horizontal Schedules

Horizontal schedules display activities in a left-to-right sequence. They are often mounted on walls or placed on a table.

Best for: Younger children or those who are just starting with visual schedules. Some teachers prefer horizontal schedules because they "teach" a child to scan images from left to write as one does when reading.
Pros: May help later with reading.
Cons: Takes up more space.

A visual schedule with images of things to pretend in a dollhouse.

2. Vertical Schedules

Vertical schedules list activities in a top-to-bottom format. These are common to use in classrooms because you can easily line up several schedules and color code so children several different children can use a visual schedule at the same time.

Best for: when you have more than one child who needs a visual schedule and for children who can easily follow a linear sequence.
Pros: Compact, fits well on narrow surfaces.
Cons: Might be harder for children who struggle with scanning top-to-bottom.

A visual schedule for playing outside with images of sidewalk chalk, bike, sandbox where tabs can cover the images as the child completes them.

3. Flip-Up Schedules

Flip-up schedules have a tab or flap that covers completed activities. The child flips up or removes the tab to reveal the next task.

Best for: Children who benefit from visual closure for completed tasks. Some children with ADHD or Autism get distracted easily with extra visual images and this can help decrease the number of distractions.
Pros: Prevents distraction by hiding completed tasks and provides a built-in incentive as the list grown
Cons: It is a bit more time consuming to make initially.

An autism visual support with images of things a child could pretend in a dollhouse.

4. Pocket Visual Schedules

Pocket schedules use library pockets or small containers where the child places completed activity cards after they have completed that step.

Best for: People that like the organization of having the cards kept in one location where they are available for the next day and where extra cards can be kept.
Pros: Has a place to store extra cards.
Cons: Requires pockets or containers, which may have to be purchased. I have found many things to use for this at the dollar store, but it may not be something that you just have sitting around.

5. Pencil Case Holder Schedules

In this style, completed task cards are placed into a zipper pouch or pencil case.

Best for: Portable use at school or on the go.
Pros: Keeps cards neatly stored and is easy to carry around if you need to take schedule to another class, out to recess, or even to the grocery store.
Cons: Can be challenging for children with fine motor delays. Some children find it more difficult to take the pictures off something that is soft sided, however, I find if I put less Velcro on the back it usually helps.

6. Ruler Schedules

A ruler schedule attaches small Velcro-backed activity cards to a standard ruler. As tasks are completed, the child removes the cards or places them on the back.

Best for: On-the-go routines, such as outings or therapy sessions.
Pros: Lightweight and portable.
Cons: Limited space for cards and some children become pre-occupied with waving the ruler or taking pictures off and on which can be distraction at group activities.

Creative and Low-Prep Options

Visual schedules don’t have to be elaborate. Some simple yet effective ideas include:

Dry-Erase Boards: Write out activities and erase them as they’re completed.
Post-It Notes: Write each task on a sticky note. Fold or remove them as tasks are finished.
Bottle Lid: If you have a child with limited skills that is destructive with paper objects, you can take a lid and glue the pictures on the inside of the lid so that it is difficult to rip or tear. Velcro or magnet can be placed on the back.

These methods are cost-effective, flexible, and easy to update as routines change.

2 images for a visual schedule, one a clip art image of underwear down and the other a photo of pants down for a bathroom visual schedule. — It's important to figure out if your child will understand clip art images or would respond better to photos or even objects.

Choosing the Right Visual Representation

The type of visual representation you use—whether words, clip art images, photographs, or objects—can make a big difference in how motivated your child is to use a visual schedule as well as how easy it is for them to understand the schedule.

Here are some thoughts to consider what images to use:

1. Words Only

Best for: Fluent readers or children with hyperlexia that are motivated by reading things. (see this post for more about hyperlexia)
Examples: Dry-erase boards, written lists, or labeled sticky notes.
Pros: Encourages literacy and requires minimal preparation.
Cons: Not suitable for pre-readers or those who rely heavily on visual cues.

a child taking a picture off the refrigerator that is being used as a visual schedule with images of things to complete before going to bed.

2. Clip Art Images

Best for: Children who understand simple, abstract visuals. In order to understand these images children need to have some level of abstract thinking that some younger children or more impacted children may not have. For instance, they need to be able to understand that a cartoon image of a child sitting, represents that child sitting at group time.
Examples: Clip art that is easily found online or drawn images.
Pros: Easy to customize, widely available.
Cons: May lack detail for children who need realistic imagery and do not yet understand abstract representation.

photo images scattered on a surface of pictures that could be placed on a visual schedule.

3. Photographs

Best for: Children who need realistic visuals to understand the schedule.
Examples: Photos of the child’s toys, teachers, or environment. Whenever possible try to use exact images and include very little else in the photo. For instance, if circle time always starts with the child spelling his name, this picture cards would be a photo of his name card.
Pros: Highly relatable and concrete, also some older children find them to look less "babyish"
Cons: More time-intensive to create and more difficult to find images that look exactly like what is needed to represent that activity.

4. Object-Based Schedules

Best for: Children who struggle to understand any abstract representation or children who are so distractible you cannot get them to focus on any images.
Examples: A spoon to represent snack time, a pull-up to represent bathroom time, or a toy car for playtime.
Pros: Tangible and concrete.
Cons: Requires storage space and may not be practical for some activities.

Tips for Success

No matter which type of schedule you choose, these tips can help ensure success:

Start Small: Begin with a few key activities and gradually expand the schedule.
Be Consistent: Use the schedule daily to build routine and familiarity.
Allow Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust the schedule if plans change.
Pair with Reinforcement: Celebrate when tasks are completed to encourage use.

Beyond Basic Schedules

Curious about how visual schedules differ from mini-activity schedules? Click here to learn more about the similarities and differences between these supports and how they can complement each other.

Where to Find Visual Schedules

If you’re looking for ready-made visual schedules, I offer customizable options in my TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers) and Etsy stores. These schedules come in three styles and include both photos and clip art images for a variety of activities. They’re designed to be flexible and easy to implement, whether you’re at home, school, or on the go.

Conclusion

Visual schedules are a flexible tool for supporting autistic children by providing structure, reducing anxiety, and encouraging independence. From horizontal and vertical layouts to creative options like flip-up and pocket schedules, there’s a style to suit most child’s needs.

Whether you use words, clip art, photographs, or objects, the key is to create a schedule that works for your child’s unique preferences and developmental level. With a bit of experimentation and consistency, you can find a system that transforms your daily routines into manageable, predictable steps.