If you are a teacher of neurodiverse students (and you probably are, whether you know it or not), you have witnessed firsthand how much some students struggle with transitions and staying on task in the classroom. You want your student to succeed. But you may not know where to start. That’s where visual schedules come in.

Visual schedules are basically just a way of organizing the day into a series of steps or activities.

This can be really helpful for students who experience anxiety during transitions or who need help staying on task.

I’m an inclusive special education teacher with over 5 years of experience (and counting…).

I’ve worked with all kinds of neurodiverse students, and I regularly see just how much of a difference visual schedules can make in their lives.

In this blog post, I’m going to share my top 3 secrets to successfully using visual schedules to support your neurodiverse students. These are the same secrets that I use with my own students, and they’ve been proven to be effective.

If you don’t have any time to waste – check out my printable visual schedule here and get instant access to everything you need to get a visual schedule up and running in your classroom.

Secret #1: Make it Visual

As the name suggests, visual schedules are all about using visuals to help students understand what’s coming up. This could mean using pictures, symbols, or even just words.

The important thing is to choose a format that your student will be able to understand. If you’re not sure what to use, start with something simple like pictures or symbols.

Your student will be using their schedule on a daily basis, so I suggest laminating the schedule and schedule cards. Then add Velcro dots (you’ll thank me later 😉) so the schedule cards can be changed as the day progresses.

You can find visual schedules online (check out my easy-to-use visual schedule here) or make your own. If you make your own, be sure to use clear and concise images that your student will be able to understand. Pro tip: Make the images familiar to or match your class-wide schedule.

Once you’ve chosen a format, you need to decide what activities you want to include on the schedule. Start by identifying the key activities in your student’s day. These might include things like breakfast, lunch, recess, and circle time. These could also include activities that you know your student struggles with, like lining up, cleaning up, or washing hands.

If your student has difficulty completing a task, you could even break down single activities by putting each step on their visual schedule.

Tired of losing all the schedule cards? Add Velcro to the back of the visual schedule and keep the extra cards there. That way, when you need to reset the schedule for the afternoon, all the schedule cards you need are within reach.

Secret #2: Keep it Simple

Visual schedules should be simple and easy to follow. This means using short, clear instructions and avoiding too much detail.

Remember, the goal is to help your student understand what’s coming up, not to overwhelm them with information.

Here are a few tips for keeping visual schedules simple:

• Create a routine. Make a plan to check in with your student and review their schedule at the same time(s) every day. That way, it will become part of your daily routine.
• Use pictures or symbols. Pictures or symbols can be a helpful way to make your visual schedule more visually appealing and easier for your student to understand.
• Keep the schedule short. Start with a short schedule and gradually add more activities as your student becomes more comfortable with the concept.
• Use a timer. A timer can be a helpful way to keep your student on track. Set the timer for each activity and let your student know when the activity will be over.

There are many benefits to keeping visual schedules simple. In addition to helping students understand what’s coming up, visual schedules remind students to stay on task, reduce student anxiety and stress, and make students feel more in control.

What’s more, when you keep it simple, eventually your student will be able to self-monitor and manage their own visual schedule.

Secret #3: Be Consistent

The most important secret to using visual schedules is to be consistent. This means using the same schedule every day and following it as closely as possible.

Consistency will help your student feel more secure and in control. It will also help them learn to anticipate what’s coming up and prepare for it.

Here are a few tips for being consistent with visual schedules:

• Use the same schedule every day. This will help your student know what to expect and make it easier for them to follow the schedule.
• Follow the schedule as closely as possible. Start and end activities on time and stick to the order of events.
• Be patient. It may take some time for your student to adjust to using a visual schedule. Be patient and provide them with support as they learn to use the schedule.

This is the biggest complaint I hear from teachers when I suggest using a visual schedule:

“I don’t have time for this. I tried using a visual schedule, but after a few days I just couldn’t keep up – it just wasn’t effective anyway.”

Listen, I get it. You’ve got a class to run. But what takes more time and effort – taking a moment to check in with a student between activities, or supporting a student who is having an emotional outburst when you asked them to clean up?

So, if you’re like me and want to save time while teaching valuable self-regulation and self-management skills, stick with the schedule. Be consistent. It may take a week or two, but soon your student will feel more confident, secure, and willing to participate. They will feel less anxious, and more in control.

One day, they will be able to manage their own schedule, without your help. And it will be worth it.

Troubleshooting Visual Schedules

If your student is having trouble following a consistent visual schedule, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

Look for these red flags 🚩🚩🚩

• Too long. Shorten or simplify the schedule.
• Complicated language. Rewrite the schedule using simpler language.
• Obscure Symbols. Use pictures or symbols that are clear and easy to understand.
• Inconsistent use. Be consistent with the schedule for at least two weeks.
• Unreliable support. Check in and review the schedule with your student often.

Launch Your Visual Schedule

Now you know the three secrets to using visual schedules to support neurodiverse students in your elementary classroom.

By following the tips in this blog post, you can create and use visual schedules that will help your student succeed by fostering a sense of confidence, predictability, and security.

Remember, the most important thing is to be consistent with the schedule. This will help your student feel more secure and in control. It will also help them learn to anticipate what’s coming up and prepare for it.

If you’re ready to launch a visual schedule in your classroom, check out my easy-to-use visual schedule here. Or, reach out to me if you need support to create you own visual schedule.

And don’t forget the 3 secrets to supporting neurodiverse students with visual schedules:

1. Make it visual – Use pictures, symbols, or words
2. Keep it simple – Create a routine and make it short
3. Be consistent – Give it a few weeks to stick

What are you waiting for? Start grab your laminator and Velcro dots and make a difference in your student’s life today!

Interested in Learning More About Inclusive Practices?

Check out the FREE Inclusive Educator Toolkit and start building habits that will foster an inclusive setting where ALL of your students can thrive.