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How do I use a wait card with my autistic child?

What a wait card is, how to teach it in tiny steps, and how to use it at home and out.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 29, 2026 · 1 min read
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A small child crouching near a bench while a woman waits nearby
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The short answer

A wait card is a picture card your child holds while they wait. It shows that the thing they want is coming, not gone. Teach it in tiny steps: hand over the card, wait just 2 seconds, then give the item and take the card back. Slowly make waits longer, and pair the card with a visual timer or tokens so your child can see how long is left.

Key takeaways
  • A wait card shows the thing is coming, not gone.
  • Start with 2-second waits.
  • Pair it with a timer or tokens.
  • Always follow through.

How do I teach it?

  1. Hand over the card: "Wait."
  2. Count 2 seconds.
  3. Give the item and take the card back: "Good waiting."
  4. Repeat many times a day.
  5. Make waits longer slowly: 5 seconds, 10, 30, a minute.

Visual supports and quick rewards help children learn to wait.12

Where can I use it?

Try
  • Snack time
  • Turns with a sibling
  • Queues and waiting rooms
  • Before the iPad
Skip
  • Using it only when your child is upset
  • Waits that are too long at first
  • Forgetting to follow through
Free printable: waiting cardPDF · 1 page · count down the wait with tokens
Download Free printable: waiting card

What can I try this week?

0 of 3 done

Read next: How does a visual timer help?

Common questions

Usually the word 'wait' with a simple picture, like a hand or a clock, on a small card.

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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