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UNC School of Medicine
Services Across the Lifespan for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

TEACCH Tip #1 Visual Schedule

One element of Structured TEACCHing is a schedule.  A visual schedule is an organizational system of time that helps individuals with autism understand what activities will happen throughout the day and in what sequence.  Using a visual schedule can make daily routines more predictable and easier to follow.  Schedules may include playtime, schoolwork, meals, chores, and other daily activities. Depending on the individual’s needs and what would be easiest for them to understand, the schedule can be made of objects, pictures, or written words.

object schedule
picture schedule

Helpful Hints

  • Show them what’s been done and what is still left to be done by removing or crossing off the activities once they’re finished.
  • Use the individual’s specific interests in order to help them understand exactly when they will get to do their most favorite activity! This helps them to complete the other parts of their day, knowing when they will get to do their favorite things.

Structure you can see, strategies you can use.