Visual schedules are a great way to show your child what their day will look like.
Some kids with autism have difficulty staying focused on one task. One way to ease this process is by using visual schedules to help them predict how the day will go. Visual schedules are a great way to show your child what their day will look like and when certain things are happening. These visual supports provide parents and teachers with the tools to help children reach development goals and achieve success in life. Let’s discuss the benefits of visual schedules for kids with autism.
What is a Visual Schedule?
Visual schedules are a graphic representation of scheduled activities and tasks. They are useful for breaking down tasks into multiple steps and ensuring that children follow the rules and routines. Visual schedules provide consistency while reducing resistance to specific activities. These schedules can use drawings, photos, numbers, and words to help kids understand when and what tasks should take place. They are a powerful tool to help kids perform complex tasks, organize their day, or follow a routine.
Helps Your Child Focus
Using a visual schedule allows your child to see what needs to be done and when they need to do it. This is a great way to help your child stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. By giving them time to process the flow of their daily routine, you can help them focus on accomplishing the current task without worrying about what comes next.
Decreases Anxiety
Many kids on the autism spectrum experience social anxiety, and visual schedules can help them feel more in control. Transitioning between activities or places can be a significant source of anxiety in some kids with autism. Visual schedules can help them feel more prepared and decrease stress about what will happen next throughout their day.
Encourages Independence
Helping a child with autism become more independent is crucial for their well-being; and yours! Visual schedules help kids navigate and transition through their day without needing someone else to tell them what to do. This will also help your child feel they have more control over their day and may even encourage them to try new activities.
Reduces Meltdowns
Kids with autism prefer predictability and structure and don’t like spontaneous changes or surprises. When they know in advance what’s happening, it can feel them feel more in control and at ease. A visual schedule helps kids deal with changes that could otherwise result in meltdowns and can also reduce other inappropriate behaviors.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (301) 577-4333. Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.