Help an autistic child know what’s coming next, so changes feel less worrying. 3 short activities, 10 minutes each, over 1 week.
At a glance
- Time: 3 activities, 10 minutes each, over 1 week
- You need: pens or crayons, some photos or pictures (optional), and the 3 free worksheets below
- Mooki cards: Now and Next, Visual Timetable, Countdown to Change (optional)
- By the end: you’ll have picture tools that show the child what’s happening now, today, and soon
Why help with change?
Change can be hard for many autistic children, and not knowing what is coming can make worry worse. Many autistic children understand what they see more easily than what they hear. Spoken words disappear quickly, but a picture stays put.
Before you start
- Print the worksheets. Or draw your own boxes on plain paper.
- One a day. Do each activity on a different day, at a calm time.
- Keep words short. Use the same few words each time.
- Use their pictures. Swap in the child’s own photos or symbols if they find them easier.
Day 1: What’s now, and what’s next?
Helps the child see the next step, so moving between activities feels smoother. Uses the Now and Next card.
- Now and Next: draw or stick a picture of the first activity in the Now box, and what comes after it in the Next box.
- Show the sheet, point and keep words short: “Now shoes, next car.” When Now is done, tick it and point to Next.
- Picture ideas: draw more pictures in the small boxes, cut them out and swap them in.
Tip: slip the sheet into a plastic wallet. Wipe-clean pockets make it easy to swap pictures.
Day 2: What happens today?
Helps the child see the whole day at once, with fewer worries about what’s next. Uses the Visual Timetable card.
- My day: together, list the main parts of tomorrow in order. Draw or stick a picture for each one.
- Go through it with the child at the start of the day.
- Done: the child ticks each part when it’s done, so they can see what’s left.
Tip: if something changes, show it on the timetable before it happens. Keep a blank slot for surprises.
Day 3: How long until the change?
Gives the child time to get ready for a bigger change, like a new teacher or a trip. Uses the Countdown to Change card.
- The change is… write or draw the change at the top.
- Count down: each day, colour in a circle together, until you reach the star on Change day.
- Talk it through: fill in what will change, what will stay the same, and what will help.
Tip: give enough warning, but not so much that worry builds. A week or two often works well. Show photos or videos of new places or people if you can.
After the week: ask yourself
- Which picture tool did the child like best?
- Were moves between activities a little smoother?
- Is there a change coming up you could start a countdown for?
Get all 3 activities, plus 53 more
The Now and Next, Visual Timetable and Countdown to Change cards give you ready-made steps on the front and a picture activity for your child on the back. Everything is in one place. Each is one of 56 ten-minute activities in the Mooki Cards Autism deck.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in
Mooki Cards give general information and activities. They are not medical advice. If you are worried about your child, speak to your GP, health visitor or the school SENCo.