All ResourcesVisual schedule guide

Practical tips for creating useful visual schedules

Visual schedules can help make routines easier to understand and more predictable. These practical ideas can help you create schedules that are clear, flexible, and meaningful.

Start with these simple ideas, then adjust the schedule based on the routine and the person using it.

GUIDE 01

Start with a small, familiar routine

You do not need to create a schedule for the entire day when getting started. A short, familiar routine can be an easier place to begin.

EXAMPLEMorning routine
  1. Wake Up
  2. Brush Teeth
  3. Get Dressed
  4. Breakfast

Add more activities later if additional detail becomes useful.

GUIDE 02

Choose clear and recognizable visuals

The visual should make the activity easier to recognize. Choose a visual that represents the activity clearly and pair it with a short, familiar label.

Brush TeethClear visual + short label
BreakfastFamiliar everyday activity
Pack BackpackSpecific activity label
GUIDE 03

Keep the steps clear and meaningful

Include the steps that are useful for understanding the routine. A schedule does not need to describe every small action.

KEEP IT CLEARGetting ready
  • Use Bathroom
  • Brush Teeth
  • Get Dressed
  • Eat Breakfast
CONSIDER SIMPLIFYINGToo many small steps
  • Walk to bathroom
  • Pick up toothbrush
  • Put toothpaste on brush
  • Turn on water

The useful level of detail can be different for each person and routine.

GUIDE 04

Introduce the schedule before using it

When appropriate, look through the schedule together before starting the routine. Keep it available so the next activity can be checked when needed.

1
Show the scheduleMake the visual routine easy to see.
2
Review the stepsLook through the sequence when helpful.
3
Refer back to itUse the schedule during the routine as needed.
GUIDE 05

Update the schedule when plans change

Visual schedules are tools, not fixed rules. Activities can be added, removed, or reordered when the routine changes.

BEFORESchool, then Homework, then Dinner
UPDATEDSchool, then Doctor, then Dinner
GUIDE 06

Make the schedule individual

There is no single schedule format that is right for everyone. The number of steps, visuals, wording, and amount of support can be adjusted based on what is useful for the individual.

Fewer or more stepsDifferent routinesFamiliar wordingPreferred visualsFlexible ordering
QUICK CHECK

Before using your schedule

A quick review can help keep the routine clear and practical.

Helpful practices

  • Use short, familiar activity labels.
  • Choose visuals that are easy to recognize.
  • Keep the schedule where it can be easily seen.
  • Review the routine before or during use when helpful.
  • Update the schedule when the routine changes.

Things to reconsider

  • Adding unnecessary steps just to make the schedule longer.
  • Using labels that are difficult to understand.
  • Changing the order without updating the schedule.
  • Keeping activities that are no longer useful.
  • Expecting the same schedule format to work for everyone.

Focus on what is useful

A visual schedule is a flexible support tool. Keep what helps, remove what does not, and adjust the routine over time based on the person's communication preferences and support needs.

READY TO CREATE?

Put these ideas into practice

Start with a ready-made routine or create your own visual schedule from scratch.