# What is a now and next board, and how do I make one?

> What it is, how it helps, how to use it at home or school, and a free printable.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/now-and-next-board
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** A now and next board shows two pictures: what's happening now and what comes next. It's the same idea as a first-then board. It helps autistic children understand and accept transitions, especially when 'now' is a task and 'next' is something they enjoy. Keep words short, point to the pictures, and always follow through on the 'next'.

**Key takeaways**
- **Two pictures**: what's happening **now**, and what's **next**.
- Same idea as a **first-then board**.
- Put a **motivating activity** in "next".
- Keep words **short**, and **always follow through**.

## What is a now and next board?

A board with two spaces: "Now" and "Next". You put a picture or symbol in each. It shows a child exactly what's happening and what's coming, which makes transitions easier to understand. Visual supports like this are an evidence-based practice.[1]

## Why does it work?

When a less-preferred activity (now) is followed by a preferred one (next), children are often more willing to do the first. This idea, sometimes called the Premack principle, comes from early research on reinforcement.[2]

## How do I use it?

1. **Put the task in "Now"**: "Now: shoes."
2. **Put something enjoyable in "Next"**: "Next: park."
3. **Point and say it simply**: "Now shoes, next park."
4. **When "now" is done**, move "next" into "now", and add a new "next".

**Keep a few cards ready.** Keep cards for common activities (toilet, snack, outside, reading) near the board, so you can update it quickly.

## What should I avoid?

**Try:**
- Short 'now' tasks at first
- A 'next' the child genuinely wants
- Using it the same way at home and school

**Skip:**
- Using it as a threat
- Changing the 'next' after the task is done
- Long explanations

**From now-and-next to a timetable.** Once a child is confident with two steps, try a visual timetable. See [How do I make a visual
  timetable?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/visual-timetable)

Free printable: [Free printable: now and next board](https://theautismkit.com/printables/now-and-next-board.pdf)

## What can I try today?

- [ ] Print the board and a few picture cards
- [ ] Use it for one transition today
- [ ] Share it with school or nursery

## Common questions

### Is a now and next board the same as a first-then board?

Yes. 'Now and next' is the common name in UK schools; 'first-then' is more common in the US. They work the same way.

### Should I use symbols or photos?

Whatever the child understands best. Photos of real things are often easiest at first; many UK schools use Widgit or similar symbols.

### What if the child won't do the 'now'?

Make the 'now' shorter or easier at first, and choose a 'next' the child really wants. Build up gradually.

## Sources

1. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Visual-Supports-Brief-Packet.pdf
2. Premack D. Toward empirical behavior laws: I. Positive reinforcement. Psychological Review, 1959. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0040891

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.