Why do visual timetables help?

For autistic children and young people, using fewer words and providing more visuals can quickly reduce worry and build independence.

So, what are visual timetables and why do they help?

At school

Coping in a busy school environment can be one of the hardest things for children and young people who are neurodiverse. One of the difficulties can be around the unpredictability of the day which can lead to feelings of overwhelm and being out of control. Another important factor is how distracting the sensory environment might be, so those feelings can quickly become even more heightened.

You may have already heard of or used visual timetables and wondered more about them?

In simple terms, a visual timetable is an aid that can help a young person have a reminder of what is coming up in their day and when, so that predictability and reassurance is brought back in. It can show what is happening now and next, or may show part or all of the day.

Having visual information such as photos, drawings, symbols or even objects can help reinforce and provide a familiar and accessible structure. This information might be pinned on the classroom wall for younger children, or on the desk, or in a folder, of an older student; it can even be pocket sized. It can be interactive e.g. items removed or added during the day, and importantly is used as a check-in to refer to throughout the day. The visual can be used by classroom staff to ‘hold’ the child but also to help the child to be independent, to make decisions and to be prepared organisationally (emotionally and practically) for what is coming next.

A visual timetable can also be used to prepare for and cope with unexpected events during the day or week, such as the teacher being away and replaced by a supply teacher, or an end of term sports day, party or school play. In these ways, they can directly help with reducing anxiety.

We often recommend that the visual includes before and after school, so that transitions from environment to environment are as smooth as possible.

Visual timetables do not just support neurodiverse children and young people – they can help the whole class.

At home

Visual supports and timetables can also be good to use at home. Your young person might be supported by knowing what will be coming up at school tomorrow or this week, or at the weekend. You can even use the same images or layout as school, so consistency is achieved.

A timetable for home can help with transitions and events that are coming up - anything from a grandparent coming to visit, to a hairdresser's appointment, as well as the usual daily events such as brushing teeth, having breakfast and following the bedtime routine. They can be as specific or broad as needed, and using really simple images or words will mean the information included is grasped as quickly as possible.

We suggest wherever possible, including your child in creating and updating the visual support as this will make it more workable and enjoyable.

Visual timetables are just one aspect of visual supports.

For more information, check out this link

Lara Harris
Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist