Make a visual schedule with familiar photos.

What is a visual schedule?

A visual schedule puts activities or steps in order using pictures, photographs or other visual cues. It might show a whole day, or just the next few steps in one routine. A short photo routine can be as simple as shoes, coat, then bag.

The National Autistic Society describes pictured timetables as one type of visual support for showing daily activities and their order. Different people prefer different kinds of visual information; familiar photographs are one option. Read its organising and prioritising guide.

Start with one small routine

Pick a repeated activity with a clear beginning and end. Getting ready to go out is often easier to picture than a full day with lots of uncertain events. Decide what the board needs to show before opening an app or finding pictures.

This is a planning example, not a fixed order. Choose the steps and sequence together where possible. A different person, place or day may need a different board.

Choose pictures the person recognises

• Show one main thing. Photograph the object, place or action with as little distracting background as practical.
• Use the right version. A photo of the actual bag or classroom door can be more specific than a general image. Check that it means what you intend to the person using it.
• Keep useful context. Some people recognise a place better with its surroundings visible. Try a close-up and a wider view if you are unsure.
• Ask before using someone’s image. Photographing an object is often enough; a child or another person does not have to appear in the picture.
• Keep wording consistent. If you add a label, use the same short word or phrase when talking about that step.

Make a photo routine in SnapThen

1. Create a board. Give it a clear name such as “Getting ready”. Choose between 2 and 5 steps.
2. Add a familiar photo to each step. Match the pictures to the sequence you planned.
3. Add optional words or audio. A short label or recorded cue can be useful if it suits the person. Both are optional.
4. Review the whole board. Check the order together and make changes before using it.
5. Open the routine when you need it. Play it to bring each step forward in turn, or open a particular step.

Saved photos and cards can be reused when another routine needs the same cue. For the app’s controls and transfer options, see the setup guide and FAQ.

Use the board, then adjust from experience

Make the board available where it will be used. Show the sequence before starting if that works for the person, then refer to the current step as you go. Leave room for questions, choices and changes.

If there are too many steps

Show one smaller part of the activity, or try a two-step first-then board. The board does not need to include every action in a task.

If a picture is confusing

Ask what the picture means to the person. Try a different angle, the actual object, another kind of visual, or a simpler label. Change one thing at a time so you can see which version is clearer.

If the plan changes

Explain the change in the person’s usual communication style and update the board. A visual plan should reflect what will actually happen; it should not make an uncertain activity look guaranteed.

Privacy, free boards and the unlock

SnapThen uses local storage in normal use, with no account or cloud sync. Boards, photos and optional audio stay on the device unless you deliberately export, share or back up content. Another app or service may handle files you choose to transfer. Read the privacy policy for details.

Start with up to two boards free. A one-time purchase unlocks unlimited boards; the unlock is currently available in the UK. Check the relevant store for price, device compatibility and availability.

SnapThen is a visual routine tool. It can be used alongside AAC and other supports chosen by a family or professional; it does not provide therapy or replace specialist advice.