Routine, visual supports, and temporal markers for children and adults with autism

Understanding and supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential for fostering their development and well-being. This article explores the importance of routine and visual supports as key pedagogical tools for learning.

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurological condition that affects how individuals perceive the world. Each person is unique and presents specific characteristics and needs. Children or adults may experience difficulties adapting to unexpected changes or may exhibit undesirable behavior.

Routine provides a reassuring and predictable framework that helps to anticipate events and reduce the stress associated with uncertainty. Clearly established sequences for daily activities, such as waking up, meals, or bedtime, can greatly improve their autonomy and sense of security. Implementing visual markers is a particularly effective strategy, as they transform abstract information into concrete and understandable data.

Different visual supports for autism

Visual supports correspond to a way of thinking that is often very concrete. They allow to materialize concepts, tasks, or rules that would otherwise be difficult to grasp through verbal communication. 

Visual sequences		Allows breaking down a complex task into a series of simple steps that guide through a process without getting lost.
Schedule with images		Enables the person to locate themselves in time with visual markers (images, pictograms) and helps to anticipate.
The Time timer		Helps to materialize time and indicate the remaining time before the end of an activity.
CAA supports		These are communication means that allow access to spoken language, its development, and, in any case, communication.

The TEACCH program, which places a strong emphasis on using these visual aids, can be taught to caregivers or parents at a CRA (Autism Resource Center) in your department. 

Pictograms

Pictograms are simplified visual representations of objects, actions, or concepts. 

The pictogram "Toothbrush" from ARASAAC

The pictogram "Toothbrush" from SCLERA

The pictogram "Toothbrush" from MULBERRY

Used in various contexts (at home, at school, in medical-social establishments), they allow expressing a need, an emotion, or understanding an instruction. The Pictalk Communication app, for example, allows users to compose sentences using pictograms and then vocalize or send them, thereby offering a modern alternative to the traditional paper binder.

Visual sequences

Visual sequences are powerful pedagogical tools that break down an activity into several clear and illustrated steps. Their goal is to guide the person step-by-step in completing a task or understanding an expected behavior.

These supports are particularly effective for autistic individuals, who benefit from a visual structuring of time and action. Through this approach, we reduce cognitive load, avoid sensory overload, and enhance self-confidence by making instructions accessible.

Sequences can cover:

Daily routines: brushing teeth, getting dressed, putting things away.

Acts of autonomy: preparing a sandwich, packing a sports bag, crossing the street.

Social scenarios: saying hello, waiting for one's turn, asking for help.

Expected behaviors in specific contexts: sitting during a meal, using the bathroom independently, behaving in public places like supermarkets or at the doctor's.

For example, a visual sequence for “saying hello” might include the following steps: (1) I see a person, (2) I turn towards them, (3) I smile, (4) I say “hello” or show a pictogram, (5) I wave. This type of support promotes learning social codes, which are often implicit by making them explicit and reproducible.

The Sequences module of Pictalk Buddy allows for easy creation and personalization of these sequences, with images, pictograms, and voice messages. This offers progressive support in learning, both in personal and professional life.

Schedule with images

Visual schedules: whether daily or weekly, they use pictograms or photos to present the succession of activities, offering a reassuring and predictable overview of the day’s events.

Specifically, it can take different forms:

• A timeline displayed on the wall, with magnetic or Velcro pictograms.
• A printed schedule slipped into a binder or posted on the fridge.
• A digital application like Pictalk Buddy, which displays the day with images, sounds, and vocal reminders.

Here is an example of a daily schedule:

• wake up
• get dressed
• have breakfast
• brush teeth
• prepare the bag
• leave for school
• ...

The Agenda module of the Pictalk Buddy application, for example, allows for printing a weekly schedule with pictograms or receiving digital reminders, thus contributing to a reassuring and predictable environment.

The Time timer

The Time Timer is a visual tool that allows seeing the passage of time. For someone who may have difficulties conceptualizing time abstractly, this tool makes the start and end of an activity tangible. Using a Time Timer helps manage frustration related to transitions and the duration of tasks. Some digital tools like Pictalk Buddy can integrate a similar function, through timers or progressive alerts.

CAA supports

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses a range of means – gestures, images, voice syntheses – that allow for supplementing or complementing speech. It enables non-speaking individuals or those with communication difficulties to interact, express choices, and narrate their day. AAC can be without technical aid (picture binder, gestures) or with aid (tablets, voice software). Tools like Pictalk AAC allow for fluid, personalized, and evolving communication, contributing to better social inclusion.

Daily routine for autistic individuals

It creates a reassuring framework where transitions are anticipated and expectations clearly defined, which is crucial for developing skills and learning. 

Why is routine essential?

It provides a sense of security and predictability, reducing the risk of behavioral issues and promoting better emotional regulation. 

If too rigid, it can prove counterproductive. It is important to maintain a degree of flexibility and prepare the individual for non-routine situations. Anticipating in advance, explaining upcoming changes, and visually accompanying it (e.g., with a pictogram or photo of the upcoming event). Digital applications like Pictalk Buddy are very practical, as they allow for easy schedule modifications wherever you are and quickly.

Creating an adapted temporal routine

Creating an adapted temporal routine for an autistic individual should be personalized and flexible while offering a clear structure. Taking into account the individual’s capabilities and preferences to ensure that it is both functional and motivating. 

One of the most powerful levers is to integrate explicitly pleasant or rewarding moments: for example, including a delightful sensory activity or a moment of relaxation after a demanding task significantly increases adherence. For some children, meals or fine motor activities can provide real motivation. Having these moments at fixed times in the schedule helps create a positive dynamic and encourages participation.

Conclusion: Pictalk Buddy, an ally for visual routines

Supporting an autistic person in learning, communication, and daily management requires adapted, visual, and flexible tools. As we have seen, routine and visual supports play a central role in reducing anxiety, developing autonomy, and acquiring social and practical skills.

In this logic, Pictalk Buddy stands out as a true digital companion in daily life. Designed for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or neurodevelopmental disorders, it combines functions of communication through pictograms, creating visual routines, step-by-step guidance, and personalizing schedules. Thanks to its simple ergonomics, synthetic voice, and clear pictograms, it facilitates the expression of needs, comprehension of instructions, and achievement of activities.

More than just a tool, Pictalk Buddy becomes a reliable marker, a concrete support for families, professionals, and especially for the individuals themselves. Try Pictalk Buddy now!