Creating Visual Schedules: Guiding Children with Autism
May 26, 2015
My Dearest Warrior Moms,
Let me begin by commending you for your unwavering love, patience, and dedication to your children and especially to you who have children with autism. You are true warriors of light, facing each day with a spirit that shines brighter than the sun. As the summer season approaches, I understand that your journey presents unique challenges and concerns.
Autism, routines, and schedules—these words may make you pause and ponder. How do we navigate the vast terrain of summer when consistency and structure are essential for our precious children on the autism spectrum? I've often pondered the same question. And today, I want to share with you an invaluable tool that has brought a ray of light into my family's life: the Visual Schedule.
Here are eight steps to create a Visual Schedule, a beacon of hope in guiding your child through the maze of summer days:
1. Decide what kind of schedule you need: Consider whether a large or small schedule would be most suitable for your child. A large schedule helps them visualize the entire day, while a small one is perfect for simple routines. We've used both in various scenarios.
2. Gather your Supplies: For a large schedule, you'll need poster board, stickable Velcro, paper or cardstock, a computer, printer, and scissors. Lamination is also recommended. For a small schedule, Velcro, a printer, scissors, and a 3-inch strip of cardstock or sentence strips are necessary. Don't forget the laminating pouches if you decide to laminate.
3. Create a List: List all the activities you want to include on your child's schedule. Feel free to brainstorm with your children to include activities that bring them joy. This collaborative process helps them feel a sense of ownership over their schedule.
4. Type up the List and Print the Words: Once you have your list, type it on your computer in large font. You can also include times if your child grasps the concept of time and a clock. Print it out on paper or cardstock, depending on the durability you desire.
5. Find & Print Images: Source images online that illustrate the activities on your list. Ensure the images are uniform in size and can be printed at an inch to two inches square. Alternatively, you can ask your child's teacher for copies of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) images to use at home.
6. Laminate & Cut Out: Laminate the images and word cards for durability. After laminating, cut them out, leaving a small margin to ensure a tight seal.
7. Velcro: Velcro is a superhero in our journey as autism parents. Affix the rough Velcro side to the chart or posterboard and the soft side to the back of the images and word cards. Velcro's magic is in its flexibility—easily movable and adjustable to accommodate changes.
8. Put it to use! Initiate the use of your visual schedule immediately. While it may take some time to create, the joy and benefits it brings will be worth every second spent. Nathan, my child on the autism spectrum, has now transitioned to using a wall-mounted calendar for writing down significant events and schedule changes, but this initial visual schedule remains invaluable for our summer routine.
My dear friends, the light you bring to your children's lives is immeasurable. Through love, dedication, and creative tools like the visual schedule, you are leading the way to a brighter future. Embrace this coming summer season with confidence, knowing you have the power to create a structured and loving environment for your precious children. May God's grace and strength guide you every step of the way.
With the utmost respect and admiration,
Tamara K. Anderson
