If you're parenting an autistic child in Nigeria, you already know that life is full of unpredictable moments. For neurotypical children, these disruptions may be annoying. For an autistic child, they can feel like earthquakes. Sudden changes in routine often trigger anxiety, meltdowns, shutdowns, or emotional withdrawal.

 

That’s why visual schedules are more than just tools, they’re lifelines.

 

A visual schedule is a simple chart or board made up of images or objects that help your child know what’s coming next. It makes life feel predictable and safe. And for children on the autism spectrum, that predictability can make the difference between peace and panic.

 

The good news? You don’t need imported resources or expensive gadgets. You can create an effective visual schedule right at home using items already in your kitchen drawer, school bag, or recycling bin.

 

Let’s walk you through how.

 

 

 

Step 1: Choose One Routine to Start With

 

You don’t need to organize your child’s entire day from the start. That’s a recipe for burnout for both of you.

Begin with a single routine that’s currently the most stressful or disorganized. This might be:

 

• Morning routine (wake up, brush teeth, get dressed, eat)

• Toilet training

• Mealtime

• Bedtime

• Getting ready for school or church

 

Choose the moment your child struggles with most, then break it down into 5 to 7 simple steps.

 

Pro Tip: Focus on building one strong routine. When that works, you can expand to others.

 

 

 

Step 2: Use Visuals That Match Your Child’s Learning Style

 

Visuals work best when your child actually understands them. Think about how your child processes information. Do they respond better to real photos, simple drawings, or objects?

 

Here are some options:

 

Photos: Take real pictures of your child brushing teeth, putting on socks, or sitting at the table.

Drawings: Sketch simple stick figures showing each step.

Printed icons: Search online for free autism visual cards or use emoji-style clip art.

Objects: Some children understand best with 3D cues like showing a spoon to represent eating.

 

Make sure each image clearly matches the action. You don’t need artistic skill, just clarity.

 

Pro Tip: Let your child help choose or make the visuals. It boosts their interest and ownership.

 

 

 

Step 3: Arrange the Steps in Logical Order

 

Once you’ve gathered your visuals, lay them out in the order they’ll happen. For example:

 

Morning Routine:

 

1. Wake up

2. Brush teeth

3. Use toilet

4. Eat breakfast

5. Get dressed

6. Go to school

 

Use a piece of cardboard, a plastic folder, or even an old cereal box to mount the visuals. Tape, Velcro, magnets, or reusable Blu Tack work great.

Place them from left to right (or top to bottom), depending on how your child reads naturally.

 

Pro Tip: Laminate your visuals with clear tape or plastic wrap to make them durable and waterproof  especially if your child likes to chew, tear, or throw things.

 

 

 

Step 4: Use It Every Single Day

 

Consistency is what turns a visual schedule from a decoration into a daily anchor.

Show the chart at the beginning of the routine.

Point to each image and say the step: “First, brush teeth. Next, eat.”

Let your child move or flip each image as they finish it.

Celebrate effort, not perfection. Even small progress counts.

If the day changes, say there’s no school or a holiday, update the chart so your child still feels prepared.

 

Pro Tip: Pair the schedule with gentle verbal cues. For example, “Let’s check the board,” or “What comes next?”

 

 

 

Step 5: Gently Teach Independence

 

Don’t expect instant results. Some kids will latch onto the chart immediately. Others may ignore it for days.

That’s okay.

 

Try these strategies:

Model the routine yourself, “Mummy brushes her teeth first, see?”

Use hand-over-hand guidance for the first few tries.

Keep language short and clear: “Now food,” “Next toilet,” “Last dress.”

Celebrate progress  even if it’s just your child glancing at the chart.
 

Over time, your child will start using the schedule independently. That’s the ultimate goal.

 

 

Step 6: Localize It for Nigerian Children

 

Cultural relevance makes a huge difference.

Use real photos from your home and not random Western images.

Include familiar items like jollof rice, slippers, NEPA switches, or a mat.

Label captions in your child’s preferred language whether Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa or others.

A picture of eba or a bathroom bucket will resonate more than imported stock images. And when a child feels seen, they’re more likely to engage.

 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 

• Too many steps: Keep it short.  5 to 7 steps is ideal.

• Unclear visuals: Avoid confusing pictures or too much clutter.

• No updates: If the routine changes, reflect it on the chart.

• Inconsistency: Use the schedule daily and not just during meltdowns.

 

 

 

FAQs: What Parents Ask Most

 

Q: Can I use a smartphone instead of a physical chart?

A: Yes. Apps like First Then Visual Schedule and Choiceworks work well on Androids and iPhones. But younger kids may respond better to hands-on charts at first.

 

Q: My child keeps tearing the pictures, what do I do?

A: Laminate them, use a hard card, or put pictures inside transparent nylon or Ziploc bags. Reintroduce slowly and keep it fun.

 

Q: Can I make more than one chart?

A: Absolutely! Once your child gets used to one routine, you can add another or create a full-day version.

 

 

Creating a visual schedule isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving your child a sense of stability in a world that often feels overwhelming.

 

You don’t need fancy apps, imported tools, or special training. All you need is a little time, a few pictures, and a big heart.

 

And remember: You’re not alone. Communities, support groups, and autism centers across Nigeria are ready to help.

 

 

 

 

Ready to create your first visual schedule?

 

[Download our free printable template here]

 

Contact Autism Parenting In Nigeria for personalized help.

 

Or simply grab a piece of cardboard, a marker, and your phone camera  and get started today.