Visual Schedules for NPF Children: Affordable Options & Expert Guide

Product	Material	Application	Choice
Magnetic Weekly Planner	Magnetic plastic	Fridge/Wall	Most Popular →
Picture Card Set (NPF)	Laminated cardboard	Table Stand/Pockets	Best Set →
Velcro Strips Set	Velcro/Nylon	DIY Schedule	DIY →

Product	Material	Application	Choice
Magnetic Weekly Planner	Magnetic plastic	Fridge/Wall	Most Popular →
Picture Card Set (NPF)	Laminated cardboard	Table Stand/Pockets	Best Set →
Velcro Strips Set	Velcro/Nylon	DIY Schedule	DIY →

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Visual schedules and daily schedules are among the most important aids for children with autism and ADHD. They create predictability and reduce anxiety around transitions. Specialty stores charge 300–600 SEK for schedule boards and picture cards. On Amazon, you can find equivalent alternatives for 100–250 SEK – or even cheaper if you make it yourself.

Why do children with NPF need visual schedules?

Children with autism and ADHD often struggle with:

Transitions – changing activities without warning creates anxiety and resistance
Sense of time – abstract concepts like ”soon” and ”in a while” are difficult
Memory functions – remembering routines without support

A visual schedule makes the day visual and concrete. The child sees what is happening now, what is coming next, and when the day is over. This reduces anxiety and increases independence.

Prices: Amazon vs. Specialty Stores

Store	Price (approx.)
Funkamera.se	300–600 SEK
Psykiatrispecialisternashop.se	250–500 SEK
Amazon.se	100–250 SEK

See Visual Schedules on Amazon.se →

Three types of visual schedules

1. Magnetic Board with Picture Cards

A whiteboard or cork/fabric board where picture cards with magnets or Velcro can be attached and moved. The child or educator can easily change the schedule. Approx. 150–250 SEK on Amazon for a board + basic set of picture cards.

2. Pocket System/Strip Schedule

A narrow strip with pockets – one card per activity. The child turns or removes the card when the task is complete. Provides very clear visual feedback. Approx. 100–180 SEK on Amazon.

3. Laminated Picture Cards (DIY)

Print pictures from free image banks (e.g., Mulberry Symbols or Boardmaker images), laminate them, and attach with Velcro or magnets. The cost will be under 100 SEK if you already have a laminator.

Compare Visual Schedules on Amazon.se →

How to Introduce a Visual Schedule

Start with just 3–5 pictures per day – too many cards can be overwhelming
Use real photos if the child has difficulty with drawn symbols
Go through the schedule together every morning
Let the child ”check off” or flip the card – this gives a sense of control and progress
Be consistent – the schedule must be used every day to be effective

How we use it at the respite care home

We have individual visual schedules for each child at the respite care home. We adapt the pictures to each child’s level – some children understand symbols well, others need real photos. What we’ve noticed most clearly is that transitions (e.g., from play to mealtime) go much smoother with the schedule. The child ”knows” what will happen next and doesn’t need to ask or get upset.

Digital Visual Schedules – Free Alternatives

There are free apps and web services for digital visual schedules:

Widgit Online – professional symbol database, used by habilitation services
SymWriter – commonly used in schools
Pictogram – free app with Swedish symbols

The disadvantage of a digital schedule is that the child needs a screen and it requires more effort from the educator to maintain. Physical cards are often simpler in practice.

Common Questions About Visual Schedules

How many pictures should the schedule have?

Start with 3–5 and increase gradually. Some children can handle a full day schedule with 10–15 pictures, while others only need ”now and next”.

Should you use photos or symbols?

Try both. Many children understand photos more easily at first, but symbols are more general and flexible.

See All Visual Schedules on Amazon.se →

MH Butiken