Making a Visual Schedule
Your child most likely uses a visual schedule at school if they are in an autistic support program, if they do not and have trouble with transitions, it would be a good idea to suggest the use of one. You can easily make one for use at home.You will need:
- Photos/pictures of objects from daily routine
- scissors
- laminator or clear packing tape
- Velcro (the circular tabs are much easier than the strips)
- Poster board, large paper, or a clasp and open end envelope
- Take pictures of things from around your home: family members, different rooms, specific games, different foods (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack), your cars and anything that is included in your child's routine. You can also print out pictures from clipart or find pictures online. If you are going on a trip, you could find pictures of where you are going and things to expect to see there.
- Put the photos on index cards and write what it is next to it or under it.
- Laminate the labeled photo or cover it in clear packing tape.
- Put Velcro on the back of the laminated pictures.
- Laminate a poster board, large piece of paper or a clasp and open end envelope (the large envelope is convenient because you can store the pictures inside).
- Put Velcro on the poster board or material that you choose for the display of the schedule.
- Each day you put the pictures up according to the day's schedule, have your child help so you can discuss what will happen together. As each event is concluded, your child can remove the picture and put it in a box or envelope. If the schedule is going to change for some reason you can rearrange the pictures together. Below is an example of a night time schedule that could hang on Johnny's bedroom door.
