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Visual schedules

Pictures or words that show what happens next, and how to make one for your child.

The AFIRM visual supports packet from the University of North Carolina's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute describes visual schedules as one kind of visual support, alongside boundaries and cues. It lists a first-then schedule and an individual day schedule, and suggests trying them for a learner who struggles with moving between activities or forgets what comes next.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors.

This page points out patterns and tells you how to ask for help. It does not diagnose anyone and is not medical advice: a doctor, psychologist or your school district's evaluation team does that.

Three kinds

  • First-then: two pictures or words showing what happens first and then next.
  • Individual schedule: the child's day shown in order.
  • Classroom schedule: a posted schedule everyone can see.

Make one

  1. Pick the one transition that is hardest.
  2. Choose the form your child understands: objects, photographs, drawings, picture symbols, words or a mix.
  3. Put the steps in order on cards or a strip, and let your child move or check off each step when it is done.
  4. Use it every day for a few weeks, then adjust.

A note

The AFIRM packet is about learners on the autism spectrum, and visual schedules are also used with many children. If you are worried about your child's development, talk to your child's doctor.

Sources