Post #3 Visual schedules (STRUCTURE 2)

Many of your children use a daily schedule at school. Schedules build on First Then by sequencing longer chunks of time - part day or whole day. Individuals who are on the spectrum have difficulties with organising and sequencing activities. At the same time, they need predictability and routines. Visual schedules are a way of showing what and when, which helps children with autism to understand the structure of their day. This reduces anxiety and increases independence, which is important for self-esteem. Given the current situation and 'stay at home' ruling, it will be helpful for you and your child if you can find ways to structure their day. If you want to set up a home learning schedule, here are some tips :

1. Use visuals to provide information on the schedule which is meaningful for your child. Visual information can be very powerful for our children as many of them have strengths in visual processing. Depending on your child's understanding, the schedule can comprise objects, pictures/photos, symbols, written words. If your child uses a schedule at school, they may like a similar one for home. However, as home learning is new to them, they may be more successful using different visual cues. For example, a child who uses symbol schedules at school may be more successful at home with a picture schedule. Do not feel this is a step back for your child, it is not - you are simply providing information that may be clearer to them at a time of anxiety and confusion.
2. Start gradually, for example one way of building on Now Next could be a 3 step schedule Now, Next, Then. 
3. Build on this with a longer sequence - but only if your child is ready, don't add more steps if they become anxious or overloaded (more on this in future posts). Schedules are presented from left to right (as this is our reading direction) or as a top to bottom list: Make sure the schedule has some time to choose so your child can spend some time doing something they prefer and enjoy.
   
   
   Object schedules can also be used to show a sequence of activities, for example: 
   

   

   
   

   
   
   The schedule is followed from left to right and the child would carry each item to the designated activity. Once this sequence is complete, you can then add another sequence.
   
   
   This is a written schedule for the home learning chunk of the day:
   

   

   
   This type of schedule can be written in a notebook, on a dry-wipe board or put into an organiser on a mobile device. Your child keeps track of where they are by crossing out or ticking completed activities. This should give them a sense of satisfaction as they finish each activity.
   
   
   When planning your child's schedule, don't feel you have to schedule every single minute of the day - you'll both be exhausted. Try not to add specific times to the schedule as some youngsters will become distressed if the specific time is not adhered to, 1 second over and you might be bombarded with protests! Some children might need this, but many enjoy some 'off schedule time' which you can indicate as free-time or free choice. 
   
   

   There are many films on You Tube which show examples of visual schedules, here are a few I picked out. The first shows examples of object schedules, next is a film showing First Then visual schedules, then a film showing how to make visual schedules at home and finally a film in which a parent and autism consultant explains how she uses visual schedules with her adult son.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Finished - The concept of 'finished' is important, so that your child knows when one activity has finished and it is time to check the schedule. You can emphasise this concept by placing a finished container where the schedule is kept. Watch the film for a demonstration: 

I hope these examples illustrate some ways you can present a visual schedule. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is to make sure you use visual information which is meaningful for your child. Make sure the schedule shows your child what is happening and when during autism home learning time, as this will help to reduce anxiety about staying at home to learn.

For further resources to help make your own schedules, try Twinkl which is currently providing free resources while schools are closed. This link takes you to a parent guide on setting up a free account: Twinkl parent guide. When you have created your account, go to SEND, select 'Social, Emotional & Mental Health Difficulties' where you will find free visual cards. Or select Autism Spectrum Disorders' for further information and resources: Twinkl Autism Spectrum Disorders

There are also many apps available for creating visual schedules, here are some: Autiplan Todo Choiceworks Good Karma or see my post on resources.

Future posts will consider building in choice as part of the autism home learning day. Happy scheduling :)