Free Visual Supports

Printable visual schedules, Now/Next boards, and supports to increase independence

Why Visual Supports?

Visual supports help twice exceptional children understand expectations, transitions, and daily routines. They reduce anxiety by making the abstract concrete and provide a reliable reference that children can access independently.

These tools are particularly helpful for children who are visual learners, have executive function challenges, or experience anxiety around transitions and changes in routine.

Available Visual Supports

Now/Next Board

Simple two-step visual showing what's happening now and what comes next. Perfect for managing transitions between activities.

First/Then Cards

Visual cards that show "First [less preferred activity], Then [more preferred activity]" to motivate task completion.

Daily Visual Schedule

Full-day visual schedule with picture and text cards for home or school routines. Customizable for your child's specific schedule.

Morning Routine Checklist

Step-by-step morning routine visual with checkboxes. Helps children complete morning tasks independently.

Bedtime Routine Visual

Evening and bedtime routine cards to support a calm, predictable transition to sleep.

Feelings Chart

Visual chart with faces and words representing different emotions. Helps children identify and communicate feelings.

Emotion Thermometer

Visual scale showing emotions from calm to very upset. Helps children and adults gauge emotional intensity.

Calming Strategies Cards

Visual cards showing different calming strategies (deep breaths, counting, squeeze, etc.) that children can choose from.

Wait Card

Visual support to help children understand "wait" time. Includes timer visual and waiting strategies.

Task Completion Board

Visual board for breaking down multi-step tasks with checkboxes for each completed step.

Break Request Card

Non-verbal communication card children can use to request a sensory or movement break.

Quiet Zone Sign

Visual sign designating a quiet, calm space where children can go to regulate or take a break.

I Need Help Card

Non-verbal communication card children can use to request help when speaking is difficult.

All Done Card

Visual card to signal task completion and help with transitions between activities.

Homework Checklist

Editable checklist for daily homework assignments across all subjects. Reduces overwhelm and builds independence.

Screen Time Timer

Visual timer with 5-minute blocks to help children understand and accept screen time limits.

Transition Warning Cards

5-minute, 2-minute, and 1-minute warning cards to prepare children for upcoming transitions.

Choice Board

Simple board with 2-4 options to reduce decision paralysis and help with choice-making.

Sensory Break Activities

Menu of 8 sensory break activities children can choose from when needing regulation support.

Token Reward Chart

Visual reward system with 10 token spaces. Perfect for motivating positive behaviors.

Tips for Using Visual Supports

Getting Started

Start with one visual support at a time to avoid overwhelming your child
Place visuals at your child's eye level in relevant locations
Introduce the visual support during a calm time, not in the moment of need
Model how to use the visual support yourself

Making Them Effective

Laminate visuals for durability and reusability
Use velcro to make schedules interactive and adaptable
Add your child's favorite characters or interests to increase engagement
Refer to visuals consistently - "Let's check the schedule!"
Update and adjust visuals as your child's needs change
Celebrate when your child uses the visual independently

Common Challenges

Child ignores the visual: Try adding their input in creating it, or use more engaging images
Too overwhelming: Simplify to fewer steps or images
Resists transitions despite visuals: Add a timer or countdown to prepare for changes
Works at first then stops: Rotate between different visual formats to maintain interest

Explore More Resources

Check out our other free tools and supports

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