BCBA-Led Practice · Evidence-Based ABA Therapy · Serving Houston & Surrounding Areas
Daily Routines & Visual Supports Guide
Free Downloadable Guide
Daily Routines & Visual Supports Guide
How to use visual supports and structured routines to reduce anxiety, build independence, and create predictability for your child.
RealPath ABA
realpathaba.com · Houston, TX
Daily Routines & Visual Supports Guide
Why Visual Supports Work
Many children with autism are strong visual learners — they process and retain visual information more easily than spoken words alone. Visual supports leverage this strength to:
- Reduce anxiety — When children know what is coming next, they feel safer and more in control.
- Promote independence — Children can follow a visual schedule without relying on adult prompts for every step.
- Set clear expectations — Visual cues remove ambiguity and reduce the need for repeated verbal instructions.
- Support transitions — Showing what comes next makes moving between activities less distressing.
- Build communication — Visual supports give children a way to express choices and needs even before verbal language is established.
Types of Visual Supports
Visual Schedules
A sequence of pictures or icons showing the order of activities for the day or a specific routine.
First-Then Boards
Shows "First [non-preferred task], Then [preferred reward]" to motivate completion of difficult tasks.
Social Stories
Short, illustrated stories that describe a situation, skill, or concept from the child's perspective.
Token Boards
A visual reinforcement system where children earn tokens toward a reward for completing tasks or behaviors.
Choice Boards
Displays 2–4 options (activities, foods, toys) so children can make independent choices without verbal demands.
Visual Timers
Shows how much time remains in an activity. Reduces anxiety about transitions and helps with time awareness.
How to Create Visual Supports
Use real photos or simple icons
Real photos of your child doing the activity are most meaningful. Simple clip art or apps like Boardmaker also work well.
Keep them consistent
Use the same images every time for the same activity. Consistency helps children recognize and rely on the supports.
Place at your child's eye level
Mount schedules and boards where your child can see and access them independently — not on top of the refrigerator.
Introduce them gradually
Start with one or two supports and add more as your child becomes comfortable. Do not overwhelm with too many at once.
Update as skills grow
As your child masters routines, fade the visual supports gradually to build independence without them.
Sample Daily Routines
- 1Wake up and get out of bed
- 2Use the bathroom
- 3Wash hands and face
- 4Get dressed
- 5Eat breakfast
- 6Brush teeth
- 7Pack backpack
- 8Put on shoes and go
- 1Put on pajamas
- 2Brush teeth
- 3Use the bathroom
- 4Read a book (or quiet activity)
- 5Lights out
- 6Good night
- 1Wash hands
- 2Sit at the table
- 3Wait for food to be served
- 4Eat using utensils
- 5Ask to be excused when finished
Need help implementing visual supports?
Our BCBAs create customized visual supports and teach you exactly how to use them at home. Contact us at realpathaba.com/contact or call 855-597-5022 to schedule a free consultation.