How to Make Picture Schedules for Children With Autism

A picture schedule can help children with autism better understand the flow of their day. A parent or caregiver can easily show the child the picture on the schedule to help explain what to do or when something will happen.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm the activities that your child does throughout the day. These activities may include eating time, bath time, learning time and free time. To help you remember everything, imagine going through the entire day with your child.

2. Gather pictures of each activity. You can use clip art pictures or photos that you find online. You can also take a picture of your child performing each activity.

3. Arrange the photos on a large poster board to create your picture schedule. Decide how you want to arrange the photos. Some people choose to place the activities in a circle, giving each act equal importance, while others (especially those who have set times for each activity) prefer to place the activity in the order that the child performs them. Do whatever works best in your situation. Not all children with autism react the same way to picture schedules.

4. Create a marker to go with the picture schedule. You or the child can place the marker on the activity as they do it. It's great to use a picture of your child as the marker, to better signify that they are the ones doing the activity.

5. Hang your picture schedule in a convenient location. Make sure that your child can easily view the whole schedule. Use the picture schedule every day.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang a "feelings board" next to the picture schedule. This helps child with autism communicate that they are feeling angry, sad or happy.