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First-then board examples for every part of the day

Twenty real examples for mornings, meals, bath, outings and school, and how to pick a 'then' that works.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 29, 2026 · 1 min read
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A young child building towers with wooden blocks on a white floor
Photo: Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels
The short answer

A first-then board shows one less-preferred task, then something your child likes: "First shoes, then park." Good examples: first teeth, then story; first bath, then iPad; first car seat, then snack; first tidy up, then bubbles. Keep the 'first' short and clear, make the 'then' something your child really wants, and give it straight away.

Key takeaways
  • First: a short, clear task. Then: something your child wants.
  • Give the 'then' straight away.
  • Use photos of your child's real things.
  • Start with one or two hard moments.

What are good first-then examples?

20 first-then examples
Time of dayFirstThen
MorningGet dressedBreakfast
MorningShoes onCar
MorningBrush teethFavourite song
MealsWash handsSnack
MealsSit at tableChoose a drink
MealsOne bite of new foodFavourite food
BathHair washBath toy
BathBathiPad
BedtimePajamasStory
BedtimeToiletCuddle
OutingsCar seatSnack
OutingsShopPark
OutingsDoctorSticker
OutingsHaircutPlayground
HomeTidy upBubbles
HomeHomeworkScreen time
HomePut on coatGo outside
SchoolCircle timeBlocks
SchoolWorkBreak
SchoolLine upRecess

First-then boards combine visual supports and reinforcement, both evidence-based practices.12

How do I pick a 'then' that works?

Try
  • Something your child picks
  • Short activities
  • Giving it right away
Skip
  • A 'then' that happens hours later
  • Changing the 'then' after the 'first'
  • Long 'first' tasks at the start
Free first-then printablePDF · 1 page · two large picture slots
Download Free first-then printable

What can I try this week?

0 of 3 done

Read next: How do first-then boards work?

Common questions

That's fine. Even ordinary next steps, like 'first shoes, then car', help by showing what comes next.

Sources

  1. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. afirm.fpg.unc.edu
  2. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Reinforcement. afirm.fpg.unc.edu

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

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