What are Visual Schedules?
Visual schedules come in many different shapes and formats-- but, they all use visual images to help students better understand the plan for the day ahead of them. Visual schedules are proven to be a successful strategy to help ease anxiety of students who prefer predictability and routine, and often help resistant students transition from one activity to another.
As students with ASD often face difficulties communicating verbally and appreciate consistent routines, visuals schedules are a great way to assist these students to anticipate what activity will come next and to understand this in a simple visual way. The following will explain the different types of visual schedules that can be used to assist students with ASD and provide suggestions as to where these items might be purchased.
Visual Schedule
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Often, Elementary teachers use visual schedules for the whole class to be able to better understand the plan of the day.
These types of schedules can be in the form of pictures with a word attached that would be then organized and reorganized on the board (via magnets) or in some sort of schedule holder. Some creative individuals may want to make their own visual schedule cards-- but there are also a variety of prepackaged visual schedules that can be purchased online for a small fee. Advantages:
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Individual Visual Schedules or Desk- Aids: |
Furthermore, more detailed individual visual schedules can be used for students who require a bit more information about each activities. Yes, it might be helpful for the whole class to know that Math comes after Reading that day, but some students, including students with ASD might require more detailed visuals that outline each step of an activity.
For these individuals, desk schedules can be used which often feature a piece of velcro and small manipulative pictures that can be arranged for the student. For instance, these schedules can indicate all of the steps in between Reading and Math:
Below are a few different formats and examples of individual visual schedules: |
This type of schedule could be printed out for the student each day or could be arranged on the students desk with a velcro strip and velcro-pictures. This schedule includes not only classroom activities, but also more mundane activities such as putting your backpack away and bathroom breaks.
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Above are some samples of the many different pictures that visual schedule packages come with. For example, centers, PE, lunch, recess, outside time, put away backpacks, put away lunch, etc.
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Above is another format of an individual visual schedule where times are also provided. This will help students know how long will be spent on each activity.
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Using Technology to Create Visual Schedules
Although many of the above methods are still being used in classrooms today, there are also new forms of adaptive technology that can be used in classrooms to create interactive visual schedules for students with ASD, or other complex learning needs.
VSKED
One of these forms of technology is called the "VSKED." The "VSKED" is an interactive handheld device for children that is connected to a wireless central system monitor that is controlled by the teacher. The "VSKED" monitor can provide a daily schedule for the whole class, or individualized visual schedules for each learner in the class. The device can allow students to participate through their device (as an alternative means of communication) to answer questions or polls. As each device provides the student with individualized options, this can be used instead of the more traditional visual desk-aids above. |
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iPADS
Furthermore, with many schools allocating money for student iPads or iPad carts, and with students starting to bring their own personal devices to school, there are also a few apps that can be used to create visual schedules for students with ASD.
A great example is Visual Schedule Planner-- an apple app that can be purchased for $16.99 and used on any iPad, iPhone or iPod device. This could allow older or more individually capable students to create their own visual schedules to help continue to provide routine for their school days, or even to help order their home life including chores, homework, etc. |
References and Other Related Sites:
For research that supports the use of visual aids in the classroom please view the following articles:
http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/214/art%253A10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs00779-010-0294-8&token2=exp=1436819957~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F214%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8*~hmac=e6ceb97ef88b048f067631d0a348133f6cc7416c81ff4c5626573ab7ec5c5941
http://www.mdcramer.com/downloads/vSked_CHI.pdf
https://www.setbc.org/download/Public/VSS.pdf
For websites that sell prepackaged visual schedules, please check out the following cites:
http://www.difflearn.com/category/Visual_Schedules
http://www.autismschedules.com
http://www.nationalautismresources.com/visual-schedules.html
For more information on apps that can be used to create Visual Schedules:
http://www.autismpluggedin.com/2012/02/top-8-visual-schedule-and-social-story-apps-for-autistic-children.html
http://www.star-uci.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/vSked_IDC2010_CAMERA_READY_final.pdf
http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/docview/1466665759?pq-origsite=summon
http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/214/art%253A10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs00779-010-0294-8&token2=exp=1436819957~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F214%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8*~hmac=e6ceb97ef88b048f067631d0a348133f6cc7416c81ff4c5626573ab7ec5c5941
http://www.mdcramer.com/downloads/vSked_CHI.pdf
https://www.setbc.org/download/Public/VSS.pdf
For websites that sell prepackaged visual schedules, please check out the following cites:
http://www.difflearn.com/category/Visual_Schedules
http://www.autismschedules.com
http://www.nationalautismresources.com/visual-schedules.html
For more information on apps that can be used to create Visual Schedules:
http://www.autismpluggedin.com/2012/02/top-8-visual-schedule-and-social-story-apps-for-autistic-children.html
http://www.star-uci.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/vSked_IDC2010_CAMERA_READY_final.pdf
http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/docview/1466665759?pq-origsite=summon
Works Cited
Cramer, Meg, Hirano, Sen et all. (2011). "Classroom-Based Assistive Technology: Collective Use of Interactive Visual Schedules by Students with Autism." http://www.mdcramer.com/downloads/vSked_CHI.pdf
Gillian R. Hayes, Gillian R, Hirano, Sen, et al. (2010). "Interactive Visual Supports for Children with Autism." Pers Ubiquit Comput. 14: 663-680. http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/214/art%253A10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs00779-010-0294-8&token2=exp=1436819957~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F214%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8*~hmac=e6ceb97ef88b048f067631d0a348133f6cc7416c81ff4c5626573ab7ec5c5941
Knight, Victoria, Sartini, Emily. (2015). "Evaluating Visual Activity Schedules as Evidence-Based Practice for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 45: 157-178 http://download.springer.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/static/pdf/718/art%253A10.1007%252Fs10803-014-2201-z.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10803-014-2201-z&token2=exp=1437084137~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F718%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs10803-014-2201-z.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs10803-014-2201-z*~hmac=582f91ed9b921b2c6383ba4b0f284269d72ddffb5aa32e8322a14fc5823487c3
Nelson, L. L. (2013). Using a mobile device to deliver visual schedules to young children with autism (Order No. 3601598). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1466665759). http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/docview/1466665759?pq-origsite=summon
Spriggs, Amy, Knight, Victoria, et al. (2014). "Talking Picture Schedules: Embedding Video Models into Visual Activity Schedules to Increase Independence for Students with ASD." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. http://download.springer.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/static/pdf/633/art%253A10.1007%252Fs10803-014-2315-3.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10803-014-2315-3&token2=exp=1437084745~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F633%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs10803-014-2315-3.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs10803-014-2315-3*~hmac=9bc091ca8de31a41467f9e834223ba6c93bbbe064cba7a7eec4a5f22837f081e
Gillian R. Hayes, Gillian R, Hirano, Sen, et al. (2010). "Interactive Visual Supports for Children with Autism." Pers Ubiquit Comput. 14: 663-680. http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/214/art%253A10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs00779-010-0294-8&token2=exp=1436819957~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F214%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8*~hmac=e6ceb97ef88b048f067631d0a348133f6cc7416c81ff4c5626573ab7ec5c5941
Knight, Victoria, Sartini, Emily. (2015). "Evaluating Visual Activity Schedules as Evidence-Based Practice for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 45: 157-178 http://download.springer.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/static/pdf/718/art%253A10.1007%252Fs10803-014-2201-z.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10803-014-2201-z&token2=exp=1437084137~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F718%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs10803-014-2201-z.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs10803-014-2201-z*~hmac=582f91ed9b921b2c6383ba4b0f284269d72ddffb5aa32e8322a14fc5823487c3
Nelson, L. L. (2013). Using a mobile device to deliver visual schedules to young children with autism (Order No. 3601598). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1466665759). http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/docview/1466665759?pq-origsite=summon
Spriggs, Amy, Knight, Victoria, et al. (2014). "Talking Picture Schedules: Embedding Video Models into Visual Activity Schedules to Increase Independence for Students with ASD." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. http://download.springer.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/static/pdf/633/art%253A10.1007%252Fs10803-014-2315-3.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10803-014-2315-3&token2=exp=1437084745~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F633%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs10803-014-2315-3.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs10803-014-2315-3*~hmac=9bc091ca8de31a41467f9e834223ba6c93bbbe064cba7a7eec4a5f22837f081e
Images (top to bottom, left to right)
http://lessonpix.com/articles/9/33/Visual+Schedules
http://www.juxtapost.com/site/permlink/63701000-532f-11e1-88b7-b3cf65e3b758/post/visual_schedule_for_classroom_/
https://appliedbehavioralstrategies.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/do-you-use-visual-schedules/
http://www.mdcramer.com/downloads/vSked_CHI.pdf
http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2008/11/autism-schedules.html
http://www.mdcramer.com/downloads/vSked_CHI.pdf
http://www.mdcramer.com/downloads/vSked_CHI.pdf
http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/214/art%253A10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs00779-010-0294-8&token2=exp=1437405952~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F214%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8*~hmac=4642c05cebc79834ee04e09a98e83ac20d1790e0121fd0dc34efbeb6bc72f718
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/visual-schedule-planner/id488646282?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/visual-schedule-planner/id488646282?mt=8
http://www.juxtapost.com/site/permlink/63701000-532f-11e1-88b7-b3cf65e3b758/post/visual_schedule_for_classroom_/
https://appliedbehavioralstrategies.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/do-you-use-visual-schedules/
http://www.mdcramer.com/downloads/vSked_CHI.pdf
http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2008/11/autism-schedules.html
http://www.mdcramer.com/downloads/vSked_CHI.pdf
http://www.mdcramer.com/downloads/vSked_CHI.pdf
http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/214/art%253A10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs00779-010-0294-8&token2=exp=1437405952~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F214%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs00779-010-0294-8.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs00779-010-0294-8*~hmac=4642c05cebc79834ee04e09a98e83ac20d1790e0121fd0dc34efbeb6bc72f718
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/visual-schedule-planner/id488646282?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/visual-schedule-planner/id488646282?mt=8