# What does a visual schedule look like? Examples by age and routine

> Real examples for toddlers, young children and older kids, from first-then to full-day schedules.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/visual-schedule-examples
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-28

**Short answer:** A visual schedule shows the steps of a routine or day in order, using objects, photos, pictures or words. Toddlers usually start with two-step first-then boards. Young children often use 3 to 6 pictures for one routine, like the morning. Older children may use a full-day schedule or a written checklist. Choose the length and picture type your child understands.

**Key takeaways**
- Match the schedule to your child's **age and understanding**.
- **Toddlers**: first-then. **Young kids**: 3 to 6 pictures.
- **Older kids**: full-day or **written checklists**.
- Show **finished** steps clearly.

## What examples fit each age?

| Age | Format | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 to 3 | First-then, objects or photos | First shoes, then park |
| 3 to 6 | 3 to 6 pictures for one routine | Wake, toilet, dress, breakfast, shoes, car |
| 6 to 9 | Half-day or full-day pictures | School, snack, homework, play, dinner, bath, bed |
| 9 to 12 | Written checklist or planner | Checklist on a phone or whiteboard |

Match the picture type to what your child understands.[1]

## What are common routine examples?

- **Morning**: wake up, toilet, get dressed, breakfast, brush teeth, shoes, bag
- **Bedtime**: bath, pajamas, teeth, toilet, story, lights out
- **After school**: snack, quiet time, play outside, homework, dinner
- **Outing**: car, shop, pick three things, pay, car, home

## What makes a schedule work?

**Try:**
- The same order every day
- A 'done' pocket or check mark
- Showing changes on the schedule

**Skip:**
- Too many pictures at once
- Using it only when things go wrong
- Changing symbols often

Visual schedules have a strong research base for autistic children.[2]

Free printable: [Free printable: 5-step morning schedule](https://theautismkit.com/printables/morning-schedule.pdf)

## What can I try this week?

- [ ] Pick the right format for your child's age
- [ ] Make one routine schedule
- [ ] Add a 'done' pocket

Read next: [How do I use a visual schedule for the morning routine?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/visual-schedule-morning-routine)

## Common questions

### Left to right or top to bottom?

Either works. Pick one and keep it the same. Top to bottom is common for longer schedules.

### Should my child remove pictures when done?

Many children like moving a finished picture to a 'done' pocket or turning it over. It shows progress.

### Paper or app?

Both work. Apps are easy to update and carry; paper is quick and always visible. Many families use both.

## 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. National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice: Research and resources. https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/research-and-resources/

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