The Autism Little Learners Podcast — Episode #43:
“Types Of Visual Schedules For Autistic Preschoolers” with Tara Phillips
Released: November 7, 2023

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara Phillips explores the world of visual schedules for autistic preschoolers. Drawing from over two decades of experience as a speech-language pathologist and classroom practitioner, Tara breaks down the types of visual schedules, how to select the right symbols, and practical tips to ensure every child gets the support that meets their unique needs. This episode is a compassionate, step-by-step guide providing educators, parents, and caregivers with the tools to use visual schedules confidently and effectively.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Visual Schedules

• Visual schedules serve as “lighthouses” for autistic children, offering predictability, reducing anxiety, and assisting with transitions throughout the day.

  "For autistic children, the world can sometimes feel confusing and unpredictable. Visual schedules serve as lighthouses, providing a clear visual pathway through the daily fog of activities." (00:00)

2. Symbol Selection for Visual Schedules

Tara breaks down the main types of symbols and when to use each:

• Line Drawings/Clip Art:

  • Often the starting point; examples include Board Maker, Smarty Symbols, Lesson Picks, and Tara’s own visuals
  • Easily organized and less prep time

  "The reason I start with line drawing symbols is because you can usually use these with most of your students... and takes less ongoing prep time." (03:40)

• Real Pictures:

  • Used when line drawings aren’t connecting after around six weeks
  • Especially helpful for children who need less abstraction
  • Suitable for home and school settings
  • Mix and match with line drawings as needed

• Functional Object Schedules:

  • For children who better understand objects
  • Example: Velcro a spoon for mealtime, a dollhouse chair for circle time
  • Start small—maybe three objects—and expand

  "Object schedules can take more time to prep since you have to find the objects to represent each location or activity. Remember, it's okay to start small..." (07:00)

• Miniature Object Schedules:

  • Use mini objects (like a toy car for traveling); ideal for children who can generalize from replicas

• Written Word Schedules:

  • For children who can read, use simple words or short sentences
  • Suitable for those who can comprehend and follow written instructions

Decision Process:

• Start with line drawings/clip art
• If not effective, move to real photos, then functional or mini objects as needed
• Evaluate the child’s ability to match symbols (pictures to objects, etc.)
• The main goal: Find the most meaningful symbol for each individual child

  "Choosing the right symbols on a visual schedule requires careful consideration... and may involve some trial and error." (11:50)

3. Determining Visual Schedule Length

• Avoid starting with a full day schedule—it can be overwhelming and misunderstood as a choice board

  "...they often think it's a choice board and jump right to the picture of their favorite activity... this leads to meltdowns and stress." (13:40)

• Start Small:

  • One-picture schedules for new or younger students
  • Model and create a predictable routine for checking the schedule

  "When I have a new three year old autistic student, I almost always start with one picture on the schedule..." (14:15)

• Gradually Increase Steps:

  • As comprehension grows, add two, then three, then four pictures
  • Individualize the pace; some may stay with one picture all year

• Short-Term & Half-Day Schedules:

  • Ideal for those just beginning or easily overwhelmed
  • Show only a few steps at a time (short-term) or the first half of the day (half-day)

• Full Day Schedules:

  • Suitable for students who benefit from seeing the entire day
  • Can help reduce anxiety for those fixated on a particular event (e.g., pickup time)

  "I had one student who was so anxious about when is mom going to come... Once we implemented a full day schedule and we had a picture of his mom at the end, he stopped asking us when she was coming..." (18:55)

• Portable Schedules:

  • Useful for outings and unstructured environments; expand as the child gets accustomed

4. Implementation Tips

• Be patient; gradual progression is key
• Involve the child in the process as much as possible
• Remember: the schedule is a bridge from unpredictability to autonomy

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Creating Connection with Visuals:

  "With each picture, object, or word, you’re not just building a schedule, you’re building a child’s autonomy and peace of mind." (21:30)

• On Communication with Autistic Children:

  "I need to talk more. Nope. Talk louder. No. Talk closer. Nope. Talk slower. No. Use visuals. Yes." (23:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] Why visual schedules matter
• [02:00] Tara’s background and approach
• [03:40] Symbol selection: line drawings and clip art
• [05:50] When to use real pictures
• [07:00] Functional object and miniature object schedules
• [11:50] Flowchart for selecting symbols
• [13:40] Right-sizing visual schedule length; avoiding common pitfalls
• [14:15] Starting with one-picture schedules
• [17:20] Progressing to short-term, half-day, and full-day schedules
• [18:55] Full-day schedules reducing anxiety in a real-world example
• [21:30] The bigger goal: building autonomy and confidence
• [23:05] Memorable quote on using visuals

Takeaways

• Visual schedules are essential for creating a sense of security and independence for autistic preschoolers.
• Choose the type of symbol based on the child’s comprehension level, starting with line drawings and adapting as needed.
• Start with minimal, manageable schedules and expand only as each individual is ready.
• This process is highly individualized and patience is key—progress is measured differently for every child.

“Visual schedules are a customizable tool to bridge the gap between the chaotic and unpredictable sequence of events each day and the structure that helps autistic children thrive.” (20:55)

Further Resources

• Tara’s visual schedule sets and resources: autismlittlelearners.com
• Free visual support starter set: autismlittlelearners.com/visuals
• Contact Tara via email at autismlittlelearnersmail.com for more training info.

This episode is a welcoming, knowledge-packed resource—both practical and empathetic—for anyone supporting young autistic children.