Routine, Visual Supports, and Temporal Markers for Children and Adults with Autism

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

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurological condition affecting perception of the world. Each person is unique and has specific characteristics and needs. Children or adults may experience difficulties adapting to unexpected changes, which can lead to undesirable behaviors. 

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

Different Visual Supports for Autism

Visual supports respond to a thinking style often very concrete. They enable materializing concepts, tasks, or rules that would otherwise be difficult to grasp through oral communication alone. 

Visual sequences		Allows breaking down a complex task into a series of simple steps that guide the process without losing track.
Schedule with images		Helps the individual orient themselves in time using visual markers (images, pictograms) and aids anticipation.
Time timer		Allows visualizing time and indicating the remaining time before an activity ends.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication supports		These are means of communication that enable access to spoken language, development of speech, and overall communication.

The TEACCH program, which strongly emphasizes the use of these visual aids, can be taught to caregivers or parents in 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, school, medical-social setting), they allow expressing needs, emotions, or understanding instructions. The Pictalk AAC app, for example, allows constructing sentences with pictograms, then vocalizing or sending them via messaging, providing a modern alternative to traditional paper folders.

Visual sequences

Visual sequences are powerful educational tools that break down an activity into several clear, illustrated steps. Their goal is to guide the individual, step by step, in performing a task or understanding an expected behavior.

These supports are especially effective for autistics, who need visual structuring of time and actions. This approach reduces cognitive load and boosts confidence by making instructions accessible.

Sequences can cover:

Daily routines: brushing teeth, dressing, tidying up...

Autonomy gestures: preparing a sandwich, packing a sports bag, crossing the street...

Social scenarios: saying hello, waiting your turn, asking for help...

Expected behaviors in specific contexts: staying seated during a meal, using toilets independently, behaving appropriately in public places, at the supermarket, or at the doctor’s office.

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

The Sequences module of Pictalk Buddy allows creating and easily customizing these sequences with images, pictograms, and vocal messages. This provides a progressive support in learning, both in personal and professional life.

Image-based schedules

Visual schedules, whether daily or weekly, use pictograms or photos to present the sequence of activities, providing a reassuring and predictable overview of the day’s flow.

Specifically, they can take different forms:

• A timeline displayed on the wall with magnetic or scratch-and-sniff pictograms.
• A printed schedule placed in a binder or posted on the fridge.
• A digital app like Pictalk Buddy, which displays the day with images, sounds, and vocal reminders.

Here's an example of a daily schedule:

• waking up
• dressing
• having breakfast
• brushing teeth
• packing the bag
• going to school
• ...

The Schedule module of the Pictalk Buddy app, for example, allows printing a weekly plan with pictograms or receiving digital reminders, contributing to a reassuring and predictable environment.

The Time Timer

The Time Timer is a visual tool that helps visualize the passage of time. For someone with difficulty orienting themselves in time, this tool makes the start and end of an activity tangible. Using a Time Timer helps manage frustration related to transitions and task durations. Some digital tools like Pictalk Buddy include a similar feature, via timers or progressive alerts.

Supports for Communicative Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses a set of means – gestures, images, vocal syntheses – that supplement or replace speech. It allows non-verbal or communication-disordered individuals to interact, express choices, and share their day. AAC can be without technical aid (pictogram folders, gestures) or with assistance (tablets, vocal software). Tools like Pictalk AAC enable fluid, personalized, and evolving communication, fostering better social inclusion

Daily Routine for People with Autism

This helps create a reassuring framework where transitions are anticipated and expectations are 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 problems and fostering better emotional regulation. It is also vital for internalizing learning and developing autonomy.

Too rigid, it can become counterproductive. It is important to maintain some flexibility and prepare the individual for non-routine situations. Pre-emptively explaining upcoming changes and visually supporting them (for example, with a pictogram or photo of the upcoming event). Digital applications like Pictalk Buddy are very practical because they allow quick and easy modification of the schedule wherever you are.

Creating a tailored temporal routine

Developing a personalized and flexible temporal routine for an autistic person must be tailored and adaptable, while providing clear structure. Consider the individual’s abilities and preferences to ensure it is both functional and motivating. 

One of the most powerful strategies is to incorporate explicitly enjoyable or rewarding moments: for example, inserting a pleasant sensory activity or relaxation time after a demanding task significantly increases engagement. For some children, meal times or fine motor activities can serve as real motivators. Having them scheduled at fixed times helps create a positive dynamic and encourages participation.

Conclusion: Pictalk Buddy, an ally for visual routines

Supporting an autistic individual in learning, communication, and daily management requires suitable, visual, and flexible tools. As we have seen, routines and visual supports play a central role in reducing anxiety, developing independence, and acquiring social and practical skills.

In this context, Pictalk Buddy stands out as a true digital companion daily. Designed for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or neurodevelopmental disorders, it combines functions of communication through pictograms, creation of visual routines, step-by-step guidance, and schedule customization. Thanks to its simple ergonomics, synthesized voice, and clear pictograms, it facilitates the expression of needs, understanding of instructions, and execution of complex activities and tasks.

More than a tool, Pictalk Buddy becomes a companion, a real support for families, professionals, and especially for the individuals themselves. Try Pictalk Buddy now!