08 Jan Different types of visual schedules you may need at home

To fully explain the different types of visual schedules – we need to look at the benefit of visual schedules – “a visual schedule allows the autistic to “see what happens next”. So when you think about it you will understand why each activity or event may require a different type of visual schedule.  

A daily schedule is a schedule that shows your child the BIG PICTURE. So basically, what happens during the day. This type of schedule will help your child understand the basic structure of their day. 

The daily schedule will also provide your child with a broad outline of activities, such as – waking up, bathing, dressing, school, meals, homework, therapies, relaxation, and bedtime.

A daily schedule will need to be backup up with a more detailed schedule because the big picture does not allow for details. This is almost like a schedule within a schedule. So, waking up involves getting out of bed, making our bed, flattening the sheet, fluffing the pillow, putting the blanket on the bed, and then bath …

Bath will also have its own mini schedule for teaching the specific skill of “bathing”. This will break down everything from testing the water to making sure it is not too hot or too cold, getting undressed, washing our body with soap, washing our face, washing our hair, etc.  

HAIR WASHING has so many steps that it would be impossible for you to add this to the BIG DAILY SCHEDULE picture. 

You would rather have a small separate mini schedule for hair washing near the bath or shower so your child can remember each step that goes into the activity.

First and then schedules are also very commonly used in autism schools. A first-then visual schedule informs the child about the sequence of events he/she is expected to participate in. it really helps a child with transitioning difficulties. It assists them to transition from one activity into another as the child knows exactly what is happening next.

Google search “visual schedules for the autistic child” or “visual schedules for autism” and you will find beautiful examples of what you can implement. Just remember “extravagant” is not always practical and practical easy-to-use and understanding visual schedules will go a long way to helping your child in their day-to-day activities.