Many kids with autism use a picture schedule at school, but how many use one at home? It really is not that difficult to set up (especially with the free download below) and can be really helpful in managing behaviors and building independence.
Maybe it is summer vacation, or schools are closed for an unknown period. Regardless, you find yourself at home with your kiddos, and things feel slightly out of control. It is fun for a few days to sleep as late as you want, watch as much TV as you want, and even eat whenever you want. But, after a while, we all crave a routine. Our kids, especially if they struggle with any type of disability, really need a routine.
Most teachers in special education settings use some form of picture schedule for their students, either individually, as a class, or both. Students will often remove the pictures as they progress through the day. How many pictures to have at one time depends entirely on the makeup of the class and its students.
Why use a picture schedule at home?
Setting up and using a schedule, even at home, is really easy and will benefit your child (and you). The key is consistency. Using a schedule is not something you want to do when you feel like it. A schedule is something you should commit to using daily. It will greatly ease your child’s anxiety and decrease problem behaviors you may be dealing with. I wrote a blog post for teachers on the importance of using a schedule as a behavior management tool. Check out that blog post for some great information.
Using a picture schedule at home or at school gives the student/child an idea of what is coming next. Is it something he/she finds enjoyable? Is it one of those pesky chores? Can he/she spy something down the road that will be fun as soon as the homework or the walk with the dog is complete?
Executive functioning skills, or the ability to plan and multitask, are areas in which individuals with disabilities truly struggle. It is not that they are forgetful, scattered, or stubborn. It truly is often an inability to envision what the next few hours may be like and how to plan accordingly. Therefore, when we give them an actual schedule to see and follow, their brains no longer have to work to figure it out. Their anxiety level often lessens, and behaviors that stem from being uncertain and uncomfortable decrease. It seems like such a simple thing to hang up 5 picture cards, but it can make all the difference in how your morning will run. Just ask any special ed teacher.
How to use a picture schedule at home
First, grab the free set of schedule cards by clicking the button below. I have 45 different cards in color and black and white.
You will want to print them out on cardstock and cut them apart. If you do not have cardstock, then simply glue them to index cards. Ideally, they would be laminated, but I realize most people do not have a laminator at home. So, use some packing tape. I do it all the time for small things, and it works great.
Next, you need a long piece of cardboard to mount the cards to. You can display them either vertically or horizontally.
Finally, I would normally recommend using Velcro to attach the cards to the cardboard. But I also realize this is likely something parents do not have sitting around the house. So here are some alternatives:
If you have never used a schedule at home before, I would recommend displaying only 5-7 activities at a time. If you have older kids, you can add the actual times each activity will occur. You will need to play around with what works best for your child.
The child will take the next picture off the schedule and carry it to that particular location. You can have a small basket or envelope there to put it in. Taking the card off and carrying it to the next activity is an important part of the process.
One other helpful hint is to use a visual timer for highly preferred activities. If your child has trouble transitioning off the computer or another digital device, setting a timer that shows how much time is left can be helpful.
I know these are unprecedented and stressful times. Keeping your kids and yourself on a schedule can be more helpful than you may think.
One last note, if you missed my announcement earlier, you can grab this book about Staying Home for FREE in my Free Resource Library. If you have the password, head there now; if you need it, sign up HERE.
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