Visual Schedule Starter Planner
Plan a simple visual sequence for a routine, transition or appointment, including choices, breaks, changes and how the person communicates stop or help.
For: Autistic people, families, educators and support workers · Last content review: 2026-08-04
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Important: A visual schedule should support understanding and choice, not force compliance. Adapt the format with the person who will use it and stop if it increases distress.
Choose one useful routine
- Routine or transition to support
- What is already predictable or comfortable?
- Where does confusion, waiting or uncertainty happen?
- Preferred format — Objects, photos, symbols, written words or a combination
- Where the schedule will be available
Build the sequence
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
- Finished: what clearly shows the routine is complete?
Add communication and flexibility
- How the person can ask for help
- How the person can request a break, more time, stop or a different option
- Which steps offer a real choice?
- How an unexpected change will be shown
- Calming or sensory supports that can stay available
Try, observe and revise
- Introduce the schedule during a calm, familiar version of the routine
- Notice which symbols or words are understood without prompting
- Ask the person what should change, when possible
- Remove unnecessary steps and revise confusing images
- Review date
Related guidance
- Autism and SEN glossary — Plain-language explanations of communication and support terms.
- Browse communication resources — Find source-checked and community-reviewed ARH resources.