What Are Visual Schedules?

Many children with ASD understand by seeing rather than hearing. Visual schedules display planned activities in symbols (words, pictures, photograph, icons, actucal objects) that are understood in the order in which they will occur.

"Visual schedules help children and youth with autism, Asperger Syndrome, and other special needs understand their world better" (Savner & Myles, 2000, p. 1). Just as most adults need calendars, to-do lists, and planners to remind them of their activities for the day, individuals with ASD need visual schedules to better understand their day.

Because visual schedules enhance understanding of what is going to happen, they also clarify expectations during that specific time period or activity, particularly if the activities are familiar. In addition, visual schedules help the child move from one activity to the next with less frustration because the symbols turn the unknown into something the child understands.

"The number of activities and amount of time shown on a visual schedule depend on the individual’s needs. ... You know your child or student and can decide which is better – a schedule that covers a shorter period or one that covers a longer period" (Savner & Myles, 2000, p. 4). Some visual shcedules may list all of the activities for a particular day, while others may only present events that occur during a more limited period (i.e., morning only, after school).

Examples of visual schedules