First Then Visual Cards for Autism | Reduce Refusal & Build Cooperation Step by Step | Printable ABA Schedule

Build Routines & Reduce Daily Struggles

Help your child move through daily tasks with clarity, calm, and confidence. These First–Then Visual Cards turn routines into clear, predictable steps  reducing stress and encouraging cooperation.

Designed especially for autistic children, this system visually answers one simple question that matters most:
“What happens next?”

Why First–Then Visual Cards Are So Effective

Uncertainty can feel overwhelming for autistic children. First–Then cards remove the guesswork by showing exactly what comes first and what follows making transitions smoother and more manageable.

✔ Reduces anxiety and resistance
✔ Encourages cooperation without pressure
✔ Builds independence step by step
✔ Helps prevent meltdowns and power struggles

What’s Included

✔ 56 Printable Visual Cards
• 28 First cards (tasks & routines)
• 28 Then cards (rewards & preferred activities)

✔ Autism-friendly, calming illustrations
✔ Consistent child character for familiarity
✔ Soft pastel color palette
✔ Clean, simple, icon-based design
✔ High-quality printable PDF files

First Cards – Daily Tasks

Use these cards to show what your child needs to do first, such as:

• Eat lunch
• Bathroom
• Take medicine
• Clean up
• Calm corner
• Build blocks
• Draw / color
• Sensory play
…and many more everyday routines

Then Cards – Motivation & Rewards

These cards show what comes next, helping motivate and reassure your child:

• iPad time
• Snack time
• Play outside
• Puzzle time
• Trampoline
• Family visit
• Story time
…and other motivating activities

How to Use

1. Choose one First card (task)
2. Choose one Then card (reward)
3. Show both cards together and say:
“First this, then that.”
4. Praise your child once the task is completed

Simple. Visual. Effective.

Printing & Format

✔ Instant digital download
✔ Print at home or professionally
✔ Recommended size: US Letter (8.5 × 11 inches)
✔ Also compatible with A4 printing
✔ Laminate or add Velcro for daily reusable use

Perfect For

✔ Autistic children
✔ Visual learners
✔ Toddlers & young children
✔ Home routines, therapy sessions, or classrooms
✔ Parents, teachers, and therapists

Please Note

This is a digital product.
No physical item will be shipped.

Copyright & Use

For personal use only.
Commercial use, redistribution, or resale is not permitted.