Which visual schedule tools do you use?

[Aika]

We've been recommended by several professionals that we use Visual Schedules to help our 3y.o. DS with ASD. We've started using a home made systems, but we seem to be often unprepared as our week-ends can be quite chaotic and we also travel quite a bit. So despite my hours of printing and laminating I find it difficult to fully embrace the system since we don't seem to have the right card to hand or can't find it fast enough.

Our excellent SALT has recommended this www.asdvisualaids.com/links.html
It seems pricey but at the same time useful as it has plenty of cards to choose from and would make it easier to get started and organised. On the negative side, there is still quite a lot to have to carry with us, yet there will always be a need for more cards.

I also know there are several ipad apps, but I have not looked into them since we don't have an ipad (well, we don't have an ipad that works). The advantages of this is what seems to be unlimited range of pictures and not having to carry folders and cards. At the same time, there is always a risk of DS being distracted by other apps. ))

If you are using Visual Schedule, please let me know what you use/ what works/ how did your DCs take to it. Many thanks for sharing.

We did with my DD when around 3 (now 4.5, ASD dx). Luckily I work in a nursery so the girls were great and did my laminating for me! We just concentrated on the main important daily tasks, brushing teeth, washing hands, nappy, drink, breakfast, car, nursery, grandmas, asda, home, bath, bed. and had then attached to a keyring with her micky mouse on it so it was easy to find and have at hand but still small enough to slip into bag to take out and about. we also used a time line when encouraging her to get dressed with different items of clothes on which we arranged in the order they needed to go on which really helped on difficult mornings.
It really helped to prepare her for what was coming next in the day and stopped ALOT of the meltdowns. Just wondering why we stopped actually.....might have to dig it out!!! ; )
hope this helps!

Thank you, jocook.

So you used the cards to communicate to her rather than to plot a schedule for the day? You also used a time line for particular tasks? I am finding it hard to decide if DS need his day or half day plotted on a line or each particular tasks. I guess both would be useful.

We use:photos in magnetic frames to do a visual timetable-easy to swap around/take down etc. You can get them in boots/asda/wilkinsons. He takes them down as they've happened.

Then for quick references if out and about,small pics/photos on a keychain as Polter has suggested.

I also sometimes draw a quick 'now & next' if we're not at home.

I find using visual tools at home a lot easier than when out & about!

Ds does have a PECS folder but its bulky & being honest I find it hard to integrate into our daily lives. Hope that helps!

I just used it in a 'and next were going to (shows image) get in the car!!!' kinda way, and for her the visual prompt made her understand so she was prepared rather than me just saying it...que the meltdown!!

You can use an ipod touch and apps which is a cheaper alternative to ipad and there are lots of free and cheap apps you dont have to pay for the expensive ones

I used mrsriley.com for printing things out - you can upload photos etc or use pictures on the site already. You can also get magnetic tape and just get a magnetic white board and make your own magnets

You can get free symbols on sparklebox and do2learn

Or just stick drawings? DS could read quite early so we always put the word on and he then moved quite quickly to written lists (much easier)

If you need a full communication system you can ask SLT to provide it from NHS funds see www.communicationmatters.org.uk. If this is an educational need you could also apply for a Statement of SEN from the Council and ask it to fund an ipad etc if the NHS won't

Some charities will help eg Family Fund, Cerebra, Caudwell.

PolterGoose Thank you. I think I will have to continue to make my own, as most of the sets on offer do not match our family's routines.)) Agree re post-it notes except my drawing is much worse than DS's listening skills.

rundontwalk If your DC is used to using visual schedule at home, how do they cope when outside? Also, at home, do they have to return to the same spot to see what's next? It seems to be quite a hassle, in particular when you have to go to another floor to check your next activity (and my house is not even that big).

AgnesDiPesto Thank you so much, I find mrsriley very useful. We've bought an iPad Mini, but are not using it for Visual Schedule just yet. I have downloaded a few apps for VS, but bot impressed with either so far. DS loves it for the apps recommended by SALT and it's great so far. Hope we will be able to use it for VS as well. We will be travelling quite a bit and I just can't see carrying all the cards, boards, laminators and printers with us.