Help with a Visual Schedule

Oonagh - posted on 07/10/2012

My son Conor is 6 and has Aspberger's. Just come from a meeting with the educational phsycologist and left feeling like all his bad behaviour is my fault. I'm too soft on him. i let him get away with too much etc etc. My other half just sat there saying he doesn't do that on me I wouldn't allow it! I know he didn't mean to but he just made me feel useless. The EP suggested visual timetables to use but how can I explain to my other half that they are not just for ME, but that he needs to back me up and use them too otherwise they are pointless. Sigh!

Nora - posted on 11/17/2008

We use a picture schedule for our son with aspergers (he's now 10) and it helps him manage his expectations. He hates change and hates when things don't go as he expects them to so we use the schedule to help him know when things will happen and when there's going to be change. It helps a lot with anxiety and reduces meltdowns.

We started out using picture schedules with board maker (pairing a picture with a word or two), and now that he's older we still use that along with a written visual schedule for his school day.

Mostly we use the visual schedule for times when there's going to be transitions, times where we are trying to establish a calming routine or other times when it just seems to be a hard time for him. I printed the board maker pictures out and laminated them and used the sticky velcro dots on the back. Some people have a wall they put the schedules on. We keep 3 foam strips with velcro to stick our schedule on in a basket on the kitchen table. We tried the wall, but wanted a more portable schedule. (Though our bedtime routine is on the wall by the bathroom door).

We have a morning "get-ready" schedule, a bedtime schedule and an after school schedule. If we're going somewhere, we take the schedules with us. A lot of the pictures are activity pictures like put on clothes, put on coat, take vitamins, etc. But we also made some pictures of places (grocery store, doctor, etc.) so that if we run errands, he can have his schedule in the car and know what we're doing and how many more stops.

We also made a few pictures with a question mark, for change. And when things were going to be different or change, we use this. Often times, we prep for change several days ahead if possible. We also made a picture of a kid in motion and called it "sensory". We add this to the schedule in key places where we know that he needs extra help, and then can use this to pick a sensory activity such as heavy work or a vestibular activity such as swinging.

For chores, our son does things like take out the trash and sort the recycling and laundry. These are easy for him to follow with step-by-step picture directions. We tried picking up toys, but that he still feels overwhelmed by unless we are helping and encouraging him through.

Jessica - posted on 11/13/2008

I am also in the process of making a visual schedule for my son (3 years old, dx'd w/ PDD-NOS). He really has no concept of time, and was having meltdowns because he expected certain things to be happening when they weren't (i.e. he'd throw a fit on Sunday b/c he thought it was a school day and that I wasn't allowing him to go to school) I am taking pictures of things that I want to put on the schedule- that way instead of just seeing a drawing of a school, he sees a picteru of his own school and teacher. I"m also trying to figure out how to make "surprise" cards, so if there is a change in routine, he knows to expect it.



As for responsibilities, I would try to find things that he enjoys doing or that fit in with his needs. My son has a lot of sensory issues, and enjoys heavy work (lifting and pushing heavy objects.) So one of his chores is to take out/bring in the recycling containers on trash day. I've had some funny looks when people see a little boy lugging a trash can that is bigger than he is out to the curb, but the reality is that for my son, that acts as a sort of therapy and gives him the input that he needs. He will also help to put the groceries away (again, carrying the milks jugs to the refrigerator gives him that heavy work input.)

Kate - posted on 11/13/2008

what a great question and a great answer....thank you to you both, you have helped me xxxxx

Angela - posted on 11/12/2008

Hi Kristina. My name is Angela and not only am I a mother of 2 but I am also a special educator who works with the birth to 5 population including children diagnosed with PDD/Autistic and Aspberger's. It is great that you have boardmaker! You should definately create a visual schedule to help with transitioning and organization skills. I would suggest starting with larger pictures (2x3). Think about your day, although hectic it still must have some kind of order. Create a picture for each activity.

i.e. Getting dressed

Eat Breakfast

Brush Teeth

Watch TV

Go to School

Nap time ect.

so when you are getting your child dressed bring him over to the chart you made (hang it on the wall in his visual field somewhere) tell him that it is time to get dressed have him take off the picture and hand it to you - get dressed and then have him put the picture in an envelope so that he knows that it is completed- then you can show him the picture of what he can expect next.

hope this helps a little.

angela