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Visual schedule

Big pictures, one day, one box per step. For children who need to see the plan, including many autistic children and those with ADHD, and for anyone under five.

Who is this for?

Steps, in order

    Or pick from the list

    Layout

    Chart runs
    Week starts
    Each day shows

    Tick the days, count the ticks and write each row's total in the blank column. The goal is the number to beat for the week.

    Theme

    Paper

    Size
    Orientation
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    Your chart is made on this device. ChartKid never sees the names you type.

    What a visual schedule is for

    A visual schedule shows a child what is going to happen, in order, in pictures. For children who find transitions hard, knowing what comes next lowers anxiety more than any amount of reassurance, because the information is there to check as often as they need.

    One day, in order

    This chart is set to the daily layout so the pictures are as large as they can be and there's one box per step. Put the whole day on it in sequence, from waking to bed, or just the part of the day that's hard. Use the arrows to get the order exactly right; order is the whole point.

    Pictures first, words second

    Choose a picture for each step that your child will recognise, by clicking the picture next to the step. Consistency matters more than accuracy: if the tractor means "school" on this chart, it should mean school on next week's too. Keep the words short.

    Mark what's done

    Many children like to tick, cross out or cover each step as it finishes, which makes "what's next" obvious. Laminate the chart or put it in a plastic sleeve and use a whiteboard pen, and the same chart lasts for weeks.

    Show changes in advance

    When the day will be different, make the chart the night before and go through it together. A step that says "Dentist" with a picture, seen at breakfast, is far easier than a dentist that arrives unannounced at 2pm. Print spare charts for unusual days.

    Now and next

    Some children cope best with just two steps at a time. Make a chart with only "Now" and "Next" as the two rows, write or draw the current pair, and update it through the day. The daily layout with two tasks gives you big, clear boxes for that.

    Get advice that fits your child

    Occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and SEN teachers use visual schedules every day and will have suggestions for your particular child. This chart is a flexible starting point, not a programme.