Consider your own calendars, schedules, or lesson plans. Are there events on these supports that you never need to reference while at other times you find yourself needing to rely on them more heavily? Perhaps when you are having a bad day or there are changes to your routine such as doctor's appointments or important meetings? How would you feel if your planner was left at home or your datebook was lost? That would make life really stressful!
Visual schedules are often calming and organizing for our students with autism. They provide a visual reminder of what to expect throughout the day and can easily be referenced during times of anxiety. They also provide a consistent way to communicate changes that may occur throughout the day.
However, as students mature and their skills develop, their supports should grow with them. Today's Super Star Schedules focuses on Written Schedules that can be used for students who have good reading skills, desire to blend in more with peers, or need a more portable schedule option.
When first transitioning from an individual picture schedule to a written schedule continue to pair the words with the familiar icons until the student has mastered reading all of their schedule words. Schedules can be placed in the back of a view finder binder, on a clipboard, or in a sheet protector so that the student carries it with them while transitioning between different classrooms. It is important to continue incorporating an interactive component such as a checklist so that the student continues to practice checking their schedule.
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| Emma McKenzie Tipp Middle School, Tipp City |
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| Jamie Minnish Prass Elementary, Kettering |
We love how this example provides forced choices for the student to choose from throughout the day.
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| Stephanie Foreman South Vienna, Northeastern |
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Robbie Whorton
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To help students develop their time management skills, add times to the schedule.
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| Jennifer Jette Vandalia-Butler High School, Vandalia |
Once students are able to read their schedule words fluently, picture icons can be faded.
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| Robbie Whorton Trotwood-Madison High School, Trotwood |
Continue to prime the student when there are changes to the schedule using a visual cue such as a post it flag or visual cue card.
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| Angela Crum Parkwood Elementary, Beavercreek |
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| Jennifer Schmidt Beavercreek High School, Beavercreek |
If the student has a smartphone or tablet, there are a variety of apps that can be used for managing their schedules. For many, this can be a great introduction to teaching them responsibility for their daily time management using a tool that can be generalized into the real world. There are several free apps listed below. Click each icon for more information on each app.
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| Apple Calendar |
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| Any.do To Do List & Planner |
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| Google Calendar |
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| My Study Life |
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