Now and Next Boards: The Complete Visual Support Guide
Master Now and Next boards to support autism and SEND students with effective implementation, progression to visual timetables, and tailored adaptations.
Now and Next boards are simple visual schedule tools that show children exactly what they're doing right now and what comes next in their day. These two-panel boards display clear pictures or symbols representing the current activity on one side and the upcoming task on the other, making daily routines predictable and manageable for children with autism, ADHD, and other SEND needs. Whether you're a parent struggling with morning routines or a teacher managing classroom transitions, these boards turn chaos into calm. They give children the visual structure they need to thrive. Ready to discover how a simple board can transform your child's day?
Key Takeaways
- Transform Daily Transitions Instantly: Discover why this simple two-step visual tool reduces meltdowns by 70% during activity changes, especially for children with autism and ADHD.
- One Tool, Multiple Needs: Learn how Now and Next boards support autism and ADHD, anxiety, language difficulties, and even mainstream learners during stressful periods.
- The Format That Changes Everything: Find out why choosing between photographs, symbols, or objects can make or break your visual support success with individual children.
- Beyond Basic Implementation: Master the step-by-step approach that ensures consistency across home and school settings, maximising impact for vulnerable learners.
Visual supports work because they play to the strengths of many children with autism and other special educational needs. Spoken instructions disappear the moment they are said, but visual information stays. This gives children time to process and look back at what they need to do. Now and Next boards are the simplest form of visual timetable. This makes them an ideal starting point for children new to visual supports.
Why Now and Next Boards Work: Key Benefits for Children with Autism & SEND Now Next BoardsWhat Are Visual Now and Next Boards? A Now and Next board is a simple two-part visual display showing a child what they are doing right now and what will happen next. The board typically has two sections labelled "Now" and "Next". Each contains an image, symbol, or word representing the current and upcoming activity. The power of Now and Next boards lies in their simplicity. Full visual timetables show a whole day or session. These boards focus on just two pieces of information. This reduces mental effort and makes the system accessible even for children with significant learning difficulties. For children with autism, the board tackles a key problem. They find it hard to process spoken instructions and understand event sequences. When a teacher says "finish your writing and then you can go to the computer", a child with autism might only hear "computer". They then become focused on that activity. The Now and Next board makes the sequence concrete and visible.The boards also support working memory difficulties common in ADHD. Children who struggle to remember several instructions can look at the board again and again. This reminds them what they should be doing and what comes next.
Benefits for Autism and SEND Students
Now and Next boards were originally developed for children with autism but benefit a much wider range of learners. Understanding who benefits helps teachers use the strategy appropriately.
Children with autism spectrum condition often struggle with transitions, unexpected changes, and understanding spoken instructions. Now and Next boards provide predictability and visual clarity that reduces anxiety and supports independence. Research consistently shows that visual supports improve outcomes for autistic children across multiple domains.
Children with ADHD frequently struggle with task initiation, sustained attention, and following multi-step instructions. The board serves as an external reminder, reducing the working memory load and helping children stay on task. The visual "next" element can also provide motivation when a preferred activity follows a less preferred one.
Children with communication difficulties benefit because visual supports reduce the need for verbal understanding. This includes those with developmental language disorder or English as an additional language. The consistent visual format builds familiarity even when the child cannot fully understand spoken instructions.
Children with learning difficulties often process information more slowly. They may need to see things several times to understand what is expected. Visual supports stay in place, so children can look at the board many times and build understanding gradually.
Children experiencing anxiety find comfort in predictability. Knowing what comes next reduces the uncertainty that triggers anxious responses. Many mainstream children without diagnosed conditions also benefit from visual structure. This is especially true during stressful times or changes.
Types of Now and Next Boards
Now and Next boards come in various formats, and choosing the right type depends on the child's developmental level, visual processing abilities, and practical considerations.
Photograph boards use real photographs of activities, places, or objects. These work well for children at early development stages. They also help those who struggle to connect symbols with real activities. Photographs are particularly effective for showing specific locations or equipment the child will use.
Symbol boards use standardised picture symbols such as Widgit, Boardmaker, or PECS images. Symbols are more abstract than photographs but offer consistency. Once a child learns that a particular symbol means "reading", they can recognise that symbol across different settings and materials.
Written word boards suit children who can read and process written language. These are less obvious to see but work well in mainstream classrooms. Other children are less likely to question them. This approach can particularly support literacy development.
Object boards use actual objects or miniature representations attached to a board. These help children at the earliest development stages. These children cannot yet understand that pictures represent real activities. A child might have a small paintbrush velcroed to the "now" section when it is time for art.
Combination boards use multiple formats together. For example, a symbol paired with a written word supports writing skills whilst keeping visual accessibility. The choice should be guided by checking the individual child's needs rather than pre-set ideas about what should work.
How to Create Effective Visual Schedules
Implementing Now and Next boards effectively requires careful planning and consistent application. This step-by-step guide provides practical advice for teachers, teaching assistants, and parents.
- Assess the Child's Needs: Start by understanding the child's communication level, visual processing strengths, and areas of difficulty. Observe the child during transitions and challenging activities to identify specific triggers for anxiety or frustration. Consult with parents, therapists, and other professionals involved in the child's care.
- Choose the Right Format: Based on the assessment, select the most appropriate board format (photographs, symbols, words, or objects). Consider the child's developmental level and visual discrimination skills. If unsure, start with photographs, as they are generally easier to understand.
- Introduce the Board Gradually: Begin by using the board during predictable routines or preferred activities. Explain to the child what the "now" activity is and what will happen "next". Use simple, consistent language. For example, "Now reading, next computer".
- Reinforce and Reward: When the child successfully completes the "now" activity and transitions to the "next" activity, provide positive reinforcement. This could be verbal praise, a small reward, or access to a preferred activity. Reinforcement helps the child associate the board with positive outcomes.
- Use Consistently: Consistency is key to the success of Now and Next boards. Use the board across different settings and with different adults. Ensure that everyone uses the same language and follows the same procedures. This helps the child generalise the skills and understand the expectations.
- Fade Gradually: As the child becomes more confident and independent, gradually fade the use of the board. This could mean using the board less often, making activities harder, or moving to a more advanced visual support system like a full visual timetable.
Solving Now and Next Board Problems
Even with careful planning, challenges can arise when implementing Now and Next boards. Here are some common issues and potential solutions.
The child refuses to engage with the board: This could indicate that the board format is not appropriate, the activities are not motivating, or the child does not understand the purpose of the board. Reassess the child's needs, try a different format, and provide more explicit instruction and reinforcement.
The child becomes fixated on the "next" activity: This is common, particularly for children with autism. Help the child focus on the 'now' activity. Give clear instructions and break the activity into smaller steps. Use timers or visual cues to help the child understand how long they need to engage in the "now" activity.
The child struggles with transitions even with the board: This could show hidden anxiety or sensory issues. Provide additional support during transitions, such as calming strategies, sensory tools, or a quiet space. Consult with a therapist or specialist if the challenges persist.
The board becomes damaged or lost: Make several copies of the board and keep them in easy-to-reach places. Laminate the board to increase durability. Consider creating a digital version of the board that can be accessed on a tablet or smartphone.
Other staff members are not using the board consistently. Give training and support to all staff who work with the child. Explain the rationale behind the board, provide clear instructions on how to use it, and offer ongoing feedback and support. Model the use of the board and encourage staff to share their experiences and challenges.
Further Reading: Key Research on Visual Supports for Autism and SEND
These peer-reviewed papers and evidence-based resources provide deeper insight into the research discussed in this article.
A review of visual schedule use for children with autism spectrum disorder View study ↗
3 citations
Knight, V., Sartini, E. & Spriggs, A.D. (2015)
Systematic review of 19 studies showing visual schedules reduce anxiety and increase task completion for autistic pupils. Knight found that individual schedules outperformed whole-class schedules, and that object-based schedules worked best for pupils with limited verbal comprehension.
Visual supports for children with autism spectrum disorders View study ↗
456 citations
Meadan, H., Ostrosky, M.M., Triplett, B. & Michna, A. (2011)
Practical guide to implementing visual supports in inclusive classrooms. Meadan and colleagues show that Now-Next boards are most effective when they include both a current activity and a motivating next activity, creating a built-in reward structure.
The TEACCH approach to autism spectrum disorders View study ↗
1876 citations
Mesibov, G.B. & Shea, V. (2010)
The TEACCH programme, which originated Now-Next board concepts, provides the theoretical foundation for structured teaching. Mesibov demonstrates that visual organisation of time, space, and tasks reduces dependence on verbal instructions and adult prompting.
Evidence-based practices for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder View study ↗
3456 citations
Wong, C. et al. (2015)
The National Professional Development Center identified visual supports as one of 27 evidence-based practices for autism. Wong and colleagues found consistent positive outcomes across age groups, settings, and outcome types.
Self-management for students with autism spectrum disorder View study ↗
345 citations
Lee, S.H., Simpson, R.L. & Shogren, K.A. (2007)
Lee demonstrates that visual self-management tools, including Now-Next boards and task checklists, increase independence for autistic pupils. The key finding: pupils who learn to manage their own visual schedules require less adult support over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Now and Next board used for in education?
A Now and Next board is a simple visual tool that displays the current activity alongside the upcoming task. Teachers use them to make routines predictable and reduce anxiety for children who struggle with transitions. By breaking down the school day into two clear parts, these boards help learners process information at their own pace.
How do teachers introduce a Now and Next board to a student?
Teachers should begin by pairing a highly preferred activity in the next section with a short familiar task in the now section. This helps the child quickly understand that completing the first task leads to a positive outcome. Staff must consistently point to the visual symbols while speaking to reinforce the connection between the images and the daily routine.
What are the benefits of using visual timetables for autism?
Visual supports remain visible after spoken words have disappeared, which directly supports the working memory difficulties common in autism and ADHD. They provide clear expectations that reduce anxiety during transitions and unexpected changes. As a result, teachers often observe a significant decrease in challenging behaviour and improved independent task completion.
What does the research say about visual supports for SEND learners?
Educational research consistently demonstrates that visual schedules improve transition times and increase focus for students with autism spectrum conditions. Studies show that processing visual information requires less cognitive load than interpreting verbal instructions. Evidence suggests that consistent use of these tools across both home and school settings leads to the best outcomes for vulnerable children.
What are common mistakes when using Now and Next boards?
A frequent mistake is showing too many activities at once, which overwhelms the child and defeats the purpose of a simple visual sequence. Another common error is failing to remove or turn over the first symbol once the task is finished. Teachers must physically update the board with the student to maintain its relevance and help them recognise progress.
Should I use photographs, symbols or objects on a visual board?
The choice of format depends entirely on the developmental level and visual processing ability of the individual child. Objects of reference or real photographs work best for early developmental stages because they are concrete and literal. As children progress in their understanding, teachers can transition to standardised symbols or written words to support literacy development.
Conclusion
Now and Next boards are powerful tools for supporting children with autism, ADHD, communication difficulties, and learning difficulties. These boards give visual clarity, reduce anxiety, and build independence. This helps children succeed in different settings. Remember to individualise the format, use the boards consistently, and provide ongoing support and reinforcement. With careful planning and use, Now and Next boards can transform the learning experience for many children.
Success depends on understanding each child's individual needs and changing the approach to match. Regular observation, data collection, and working with parents and other professionals are essential. This ensures that the Now and Next board remains an effective and valuable tool. Teachers and parents can use a flexible approach. This helps children manage their daily routines with confidence and independence.
Visual Support Resources and Tools
Visual schedules effectiveness
- Attwood, T. (2006). *The complete guide to Asperger's syndrome*. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- Hodgdon, L. A. (1995). *Visual strategies for improving communication*. Troy, MI: Woodbine House.
- Mesibov, G. B., Shea, V., & Schopler, E. (2005). *The TEACCH approach to autism*. Springer.
- National Autistic Society. (2023). *Visual supports*. Retrieved from [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication/communication-tools/all-audiences](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication/communication-tools/all-audiences)
