Your Cart is Empty
We talk a lot about using visual schedules to help children with routines, sensory diets, transitions, and more.
But if you’ve never created and used a visual schedule with a child, how do you get started?
We break it down step-by-step, starting with identifying the specific routine or activities you want to add to a visual schedule. We dive into different types of visual schedules and how to choose the right one for your child, how to make it easily accessible, and how to create a system so your child enjoys using their visual schedule!
Check out all of the links below!
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form ->https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!
Creating the Most Effective Visual Supports
You may have heard about visual schedules if you’re a parent or therapist working with children who thrive on structure. These handy tools can make daily routines smoother and help children build independence.
Whether you're just learning about visual schedules or have tried them before, this guide will help you set up a system that works for your child or client.
A visual schedule is a tool designed to help children understand and manage their daily routines through visual cues. It can take many forms, from printed images to digital apps, and it provides a predictable sequence of events that children can follow.
For many kids, especially those with sensory processing challenges, autism, or ADHD, verbal instructions can feel overwhelming or confusing. Visual schedules bridge that gap by presenting information in a clear, organized, and concrete way.
Children often thrive on structure and routine. Visual schedules:
Reduce Anxiety: Knowing what comes next helps children feel secure and prepared for transitions.
Promote Independence: By visually outlining each task, children can learn to complete activities without constant adult reminders.
Support Learning Styles: Many kids are visual learners, meaning they understand and retain information better when presented in pictures or written steps.
Break Down Complex Tasks: Visual schedules can deconstruct overwhelming routines into manageable steps, making them easier to follow.
Encourage Accountability: Kids can take ownership of their responsibilities by checking off tasks as they complete them, building confidence and motivation.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to visual schedules. Here are some common variations:
Visual schedules can be used for almost any routine or series of activities, such as:
Morning Routines: Getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, and packing a backpack.
School Days: Moving through subjects or assignments.
Sensory Breaks: Incorporating calming or alerting activities into the day.
Bedtime Routines: Winding down, brushing teeth, and preparing for bed.
Visual schedules are particularly valuable for children with sensory processing challenges. They help them anticipate transitions and changes, and they can be a lifeline for navigating stressful situations or times of day when emotions run high.
Don’t overwhelm yourself or your child by tackling multiple routines at once. Identify the activities in this routine, such as brushing your teeth, getting dressed, or eating breakfast.
If needed, break tasks into smaller steps. For instance, "getting dressed" might include putting on underwear, socks, and a shirt.
Visual schedules can be tailored to suit your child’s needs and preferences:
Photos of Your Child: Some kids benefit from seeing pictures of themselves completing tasks.
Icons or Illustrations: Cartoon images or stick figures work well for children who prefer simplicity.
Written Lists: Older children who read may prefer written checklists.
Apps or Digital Schedules: Tech-savvy kids might enjoy interactive options with timers or reminders.
For children with sensory needs, incorporating sensory breaks into the schedule is essential. For instance:
Five minutes of swinging after brushing teeth.
Deep breathing or stretching exercises before heading to school.
Pair sensory breaks with a visual timer to ensure consistency and structure.
Children love the satisfaction of completing tasks by creating a "done" section on the schedule where they can move completed activities. For digital schedules, this could be checking off tasks on an app.
Place the schedule somewhere easy to access, like the kitchen wall or the fridge. Accessibility prevents it from being forgotten and makes it a natural part of your routine.
Allow your child some control over the schedule by letting them choose the order of tasks or pick specific sensory breaks. This autonomy reduces resistance and fosters independence.
Celebrate even small wins, like brushing teeth independently. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages consistent use of the schedule.
If you're a therapist introducing visual schedules to families:
Use a session to involve the child in creating their schedule.
Provide laminated templates and icons that families can customize.
Model how to use the schedule during your sessions and guide parents on implementation at home.
Visual schedules are a simple yet powerful tool for bringing structure and ease to daily routines. Starting small and customizing the schedule to your child’s unique needs ensures it becomes a seamless part of their day while setting them up for success.
Commit to using the visual schedule daily for at least two weeks and celebrate every small victory along the way. With time, you’ll likely see meaningful changes—not only in your child’s ability to follow routines but also in their confidence and overall sense of achievement.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
