Visual Schedule Autism: A Practical Guide for Australians

How a visual schedule works in autism support

Spoken instructions disappear as soon as they are said, but a picture stays in view. That gives the person time to process what comes next.

• Visual supports, including visual schedules, are rated “established” in Raising Children Network’s therapies guide (Raising Children Network).
• A clear order of events lets the person see what is happening now and later.
• Showing a task as a sequence of steps can help the person move through it with fewer spoken prompts.

Visuals for autism: the main types

Choose the format that matches the person’s age, understanding and preferences. Many families use more than one.

Free printable visual schedule for autism: make your own

You do not need special software. Many families make a free printable visual schedule at home using photos of their own places and things.

1. 1Pick one routine. Choose a part of the day that is difficult, such as leaving for school or bedtime, and list the steps in order.
2. 2Choose the picture style. Use real photos, simple drawings or symbols, whichever the person recognises quickly.
3. 3Print and cut out the cards. Keep each card the same size, and laminate or use plastic sleeves so they last.
4. 4Set up a board. Attach cards with removable tape or Velcro in a strip, top to bottom or left to right.
5. 5Show how it works. Walk through the schedule together, then move or turn over each card as a step is finished.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Communication cards for autism and visual cue cards for autism

Cards can carry a message for someone who finds speaking hard in the moment. They sit well alongside pictures, signs and devices; see our guide to AAC for autism.

• Make your own free printable communication cards for autism with the words the person needs most, such as “break”, “help”, “more”, “finished” and “toilet”.
• Use visual cue cards to prompt a step, such as “shoes on” or “wait”, and keep the same picture each time.
• Place visual cards for autism where they are needed: on the fridge, in the bathroom, in a bag or on a lanyard.
• Let the person choose pictures where possible.
• Check cards often for wear and out-of-date photos, and replace them so the information stays accurate.

Free visual pictures for autism PDF and autism visual schedule printables

Many schools, therapists and community organisations share printable sets as PDF files. Check a few things before you print.

• Ask your speech pathologist, occupational therapist or teacher whether they have a set that matches what the person already uses.
• Check that the pictures are clear, uncluttered and suit the person’s age, so older children and adults are not given childish images.
• Keep the same symbols across home, school and respite so the person does not need to learn a new set.
• Browse the Raising Children Network autism section for examples and ideas (Raising Children Network).
• Be cautious with any download that asks for payment details or personal information before you can print.

Autism toilet visual and bathroom routines

A toilet visual breaks a private, sometimes stressful routine into steps the person can follow with less help.

• Show each step as a picture, such as going in, pulling down clothes, sitting, wiping, flushing, washing hands and drying.
• Place the chart at eye level near the toilet, and use photos of your own bathroom if that helps recognition.
• Keep language and images respectful, and match them to the person’s age and the words your family uses.
• Share the chart with school, respite and support workers so the routine is consistent.
• Ask an occupational therapist or your GP for advice if toileting is a continuing concern.

Autism timer and visual timer for autism

A timer makes “five more minutes” something you can see. This can ease endings and waiting.

• Choose a visual timer for autism that shows time as a shrinking colour block or a countdown, and test it before using it for a big transition.
• Pair the timer with a visual schedule so the person knows what happens when the time ends.
• Start with short times for activities the person enjoys, then slowly use timers for less-preferred tasks.
• Give a calm warning before the timer ends, and avoid using it as a punishment or threat.
• Watch for sensory reactions, because some autistic people dislike ticking sounds or alarms.

Visual aid for autism at home, school and work

The same tools can move across settings, so the person sees familiar pictures wherever they are.

• At home: use a morning routine strip, a meal-choice board and a bedtime sequence on the bedroom wall.
• At school: ask the teacher to share the class timetable in pictures and to give a heads-up on changes.
• At work or study: a written or app-based plan for the day can help adults, and can sit alongside autism social stories.
• In the community: bring a small first-then board or communication cards for shops, appointments and outings.
• With support workers: ask them to follow and update the schedule so it is used the same way each day; see support workers for autism.

Funding and support for visual tools

• Check what your NDIS plan funds for therapy and daily living, and read our guide to autism funding.
• Ask an occupational therapist or speech pathologist to help design a system, and consider positive behaviour support if behaviour is a concern.
• Look at social skills programs for children with autism that use visuals to teach routines.
• Consider a card or lanyard for public settings; see autism ID cards and lanyards.
• Call Autism Connect on 1300 308 699 (Amaze) for free guidance on services.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

Visual tools are one support among many. In an emergency, call 000.

• Changes in routine cause ongoing distress that a schedule has not eased, and you want other strategies.
• You are unsure whether your child or you are autistic and would like an assessment; see autism test for adults in Australia, a reflection tool only.
• Communication seems to be getting harder or skills have been lost.
• Sleep, eating or toileting are causing health concerns.
• Someone is in crisis; call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

It helps when the people around the person use a schedule the same way. TQN Care’s NDIS services include support workers who can follow your family’s visual supports during personal care, community access and respite across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). We do not provide therapy, but we can work with your therapists and your plan.