Visual Schedules
Visual Schedules
Visual schedules are the instruments that make use of pictures, symbols, or written words to portray the activities or tasks in a sequence. In particular, these are very important for the individuals with developmental disorders or learning disabilities, as they can increase comprehension, predictability, and autonomy in daily routines.
What are the benefits of using visual schedules?
Visual timetables are a great way to teach young ones like children with autism or ADHD to cope, as they are flexible. Imagine possible morning activities in a visual schedule, like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and having breakfast. The visual schedule will help the child to foresee what is going to happen and manage their time.
How can I create a visual schedule for my child?
A visual schedule is basically a pictorial representation of the daily schedule that is created after listing daily activities and determining the sequence of their occurrence. You can use symbols, images, or even written words to depict each task. For example, a straightforward chart with the picture of a toothbrush, a piece of clothing, and a bowl of cereal is sufficient to explain a morning routine. Make sure that the schedule is easily seen and advise your child to use it regularly throughout the day to develop the skill of self-care.
What types of visual schedules are most effective?
The most successful visual schedules are individual-specific but generally have daily schedules, first-then boards, and choice boards among them. For instance, the first-then board can present a picture of a homework assignment followed by an activity that the child likes to do, which will serve as a motivation for the child and a clue for him about what to do next. The adaptation of the schedule according to the child's likes and comprehension is the main reason for its success.
How do visual schedules support children with special needs?
'Support children with special needs through visual schedules that give constant and clear visual cues to comprehend and predict. They will decrease adolescent anxiety by providing a clear outline of the sequence of operations and increase adolescent freedom by giving kids the right to manage their time.' An example would be that a child with autism using a visual timetable to navigate through transitions between activities leads to improved behavior and a greater degree of participation.