As a parent or caregiver, your day is full of transitions. This includes meals, bath time, school drop-off, errands, playtime, and more. Now imagine experiencing that same busy day without understanding what’s coming next. For many children, especially those with communication challenges, daily transitions can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even scary. That’s where visual schedules come in.

In this article, we will break down what visual schedules are, how they help children, where to get or make one, and exactly how to start using one in your home. Whether your child is neurotypical, autistic, language delayed, non-speaking, or simply thrives on structure, visual schedules can make life smoother and less stressful—for everyone.

What Is a Visual Schedule?

A visual schedule is a simple, picture-based tool that shows your child what activities will happen during a part of the day, either in a specific order (like a “morning routine”) or just as a reminder of what’s coming.

It can include:

  • Photos of real objects (e.g., a picture of your child’s toothbrush)

  • Drawings or icons (e.g., stick figures or clipart)

  • Text with pictures, for children who are learning to read

Examples of Visual Schedules:

  • A morning routine: Toilet → Brush Teeth → Get Dressed → Eat Breakfast

  • A bedtime schedule: Bath → Pajamas → Story → Bed

  • A school day preview: Bus → Circle Time → Recess → Lunch → Home

These can be presented using:

  • A vertical strip with Velcro or magnets

  • A dry-erase board with drawings or printed pictures

  • A binder or folder with flippable cards

Why Are Visual Schedules Helpful?

Visual schedules give your child the gift of predictability. When children can see what is coming, they are less likely to feel anxious, resist transitions, or melt down during daily routines.

Benefits of Visual Schedules:

  • Increase understanding of expectations

  • Reduce tantrums and power struggles

  • Support smoother transitions

  • Promote independence and responsibility

  • Help with sequencing and time concepts (“first, then, later”)

  • Build communication and routine language

SLP Insight: Children process visual information more quickly and consistently than spoken language, especially when they are overwhelmed or dysregulated.

Where to Get or Make a Visual Schedule

You do not need to be crafty or tech-savvy to get started. You have options!

Ready-to-Use Options on Amazon:

DIY Visual Schedule (Budget-Friendly):

Supplies:

  • Printer

  • Scissors

  • Laminator (optional, but makes pieces durable)

  • Velcro dots or magnetic tape

  • Picture symbols:

Print and cut out daily activity images (breakfast, brush teeth, car, etc.). Mount them on index cards, laminate if desired, and attach to a board using Velcro or magnets.

How to Start Using a Visual Schedule: Step-by-Step

Start small! Choose a routine that already happens daily and is often tricky, such as getting ready in the morning or transitioning to bedtime.

Step 1: Pick 3–5 steps

Example for Morning Routine:

  1. Toilet

  2. Brush teeth

  3. Get dressed

  4. Eat breakfast

  5. Get backpack

Step 2: Create the visual

Lay out the pictures in order. You can use a strip of cardboard, a binder, a cookie sheet with magnets, anything that lets you display and rearrange images.

Step 3: Introduce it to your child

Use positive, simple language. For example:

Script:
“Look! This shows what we’re going to do this morning. First, we go potty. Then, we brush teeth. After that, we get dressed. Let’s check it off as we go!”

Model how to touch or remove each picture after the activity is done.

Script:
“Okay, you brushed your teeth—great! Let’s take that off the schedule. Now what’s next?”

Step 4: Stay consistent

Use the schedule every day for the same routine, especially in the beginning. Children learn through repetition and consistency.

Step 5: Fade slowly

Once your child is familiar and calm during that routine, you can begin to:

  • Use fewer pictures

  • Ask your child to help build the schedule

  • Move from pictures to written words (if appropriate)

Adapting for Different Levels of Communication

Visual schedules are not one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to adjust them for your child’s needs:

Communication Level How to Adapt
Nonverbal / Minimally Verbal Use real photos or simple symbols + gestures. Keep language simple and consistent.
Beginning Talkers Pair each picture with a simple spoken label. Model words like “first,” “next,” “all done.”
Verbal but Anxious or Distracted Use the schedule to help them stay focused or reduce overwhelm. Let them help move the pieces.
Emerging Readers Add text under each picture. Encourage them to “read” the schedule with you.

 

Sample Daily Schedules (Home Edition)

Morning Routine (Ages 2–5)

  • Toilet

  • Brush teeth

  • Get dressed

  • Eat breakfast

  • Put on shoes

  • Backpack

  • Car/bus

Bedtime Routine (Ages 3–7)

  • Bath

  • Pajamas

  • Brush teeth

  • Choose a story

  • Read together

  • Lights off

After School Routine

  • Backpack away

  • Snack

  • Homework

  • Free play

  • Dinner

  • TV time

Tip: You can also use a First/Then board for shorter sequences:
“First homework, then iPad.”

What If My Child Resists the Schedule?

This is completely normal at first, change can be tricky. Stick with it, keep your tone positive, and avoid turning it into a power struggle.

Script for a hesitant child:
“I know it’s new, but this is going to help us have a calm morning. We can do it together.”

You can also involve your child in choosing the pictures, decorating the board, or adding fun stickers when a routine is finished.

Final Thoughts: You Do Not Have to Be an Expert to Make a Big Impact

Visual schedules are more than just pictures on a board, they are bridges to understanding, cooperation, and calm. By showing your child what’s next in a clear and supportive way, you are giving them tools that build confidence and reduce stress.

Whether your child is just starting to talk or already chatting away, using a visual schedule empowers them to move through their day with more independence and helps you feel more in control too.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general educational information. It is not a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. Please consult a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for personalized concerns regarding your child’s speech development.


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