Visual supports for transitions and routines

First Then Board: A Simple Two-Step Visual Support

A first then board shows one clear thing that happens first and one clear thing that happens next. It can help when a full schedule feels like too much and the moment only needs a simple visual answer: what now, and what comes after?

Make a free first then board Compare with visual schedules

On this page

What is a first then board?

A first then board is a visual support with two parts: FIRST and THEN. The first box shows the task, transition, or expectation happening now. The then box shows what comes next.

First-then boards are often used as visual supports for autistic children, students, and adults because they make expectations and next steps easier to see. They may also help with ADHD, anxiety, sensory overwhelm, language processing, task initiation, and hard transitions.

The main idea

A first then board is not a behavior fix. It is a simple communication and predictability tool. It can help someone understand the next two steps without needing a long verbal explanation.

Why first-then boards help

Hard moments often become harder when there are too many words, too many steps, or too much uncertainty. A first then board can lower the demand because it turns a cloudy moment into two visible pieces.

It makes the expectation visible

Instead of repeating directions, the adult can point to the board and use fewer words.

It shows what comes next

Transitions can feel safer when the next step is clear and not open-ended.

It reduces working memory load

The person does not have to hold the sequence in their head while they are already overwhelmed.

When to use a first then board

Use a first then board when the person does not need the whole day mapped out. They only need the next two parts of the moment.

A first then board may help with:

  • Leaving the house
  • Getting dressed or putting on shoes
  • Ending screen time
  • Starting homework, schoolwork, or therapy tasks
  • Cleaning up one area
  • Bath, teeth, hair, or hygiene routines
  • Waiting for a preferred activity
  • Moving from play to bedtime

It is especially useful when:

  • A full visual schedule feels too big
  • The person is already dysregulated or overloaded
  • The transition has happened many times but still feels hard
  • Verbal reminders are making the moment louder
  • The person needs a predictable finish or next step
  • The adult needs a calmer way to communicate the expectation

If the moment only needs two steps, do not make the person process ten.

Who first-then boards may help

First then boards are common in autism support, classrooms, therapy, and early childhood settings, but they are not only for one diagnosis or age group. They can help anyone who benefits from clear visual expectations.

Children at home

For routines like shoes, bath, clean-up, meals, bedtime, and leaving the house.

Students at school

For work tasks, transitions, therapy sessions, center rotations, or returning from breaks.

Teens and adults

For task initiation, appointments, chores, low-energy days, or moments when executive function is overloaded.

First then board examples

The strongest first then board examples are specific, realistic, and matched to the moment. The first step should be something the person can understand. The then step should be clear and dependable.

First Shoes on
Then Car ride
First Brush teeth
Then Story
First Two math problems
Then Movement break
First Clean up blocks
Then Snack
First Bath
Then Pajamas
First Screen off
Then Calming card

How to use a first then board without turning it into a power struggle

A first then board works best when it feels like support, not a threat. The goal is to reduce confusion and repeated verbal pressure.

Choose one clear FIRST and one clear THEN

Keep the board simple. Use pictures, icons, words, or a mix, depending on what the person understands best.

Show the board before the moment becomes too hard

Introduce it early when possible. A visual support is usually easier to use before overload is already high.

Use fewer words

Try a calm phrase like, “First shoes, then car,” while pointing to each part. Avoid long explaining or debating.

Follow through kindly and predictably

The then part should be something you can actually offer. Predictability builds trust in the board.

Reset the board after it is finished

Remove the cards, mark the step done, or move on to the next support. A clear ending helps the visual feel complete.

Try this phrase

“First this, then that. I’ll show you.” Then point to the board and pause. The pause matters because it gives the person time to process.

What to put in the FIRST and THEN boxes

What to put in the FIRST box

The FIRST box should usually be the current expectation, transition, or smallest useful step.

  • Put on shoes
  • Brush teeth
  • Clean up blocks
  • Write your name
  • Take three bites
  • Sit in the chair
  • Get backpack

What to put in the THEN box

The THEN box should show what comes next. Sometimes it is a preferred activity. Sometimes it is simply the next predictable part of the routine.

  • Play outside
  • Snack
  • Story
  • Movement break
  • Car ride
  • All done
  • Choose a calming card

The THEN box does not always need to be a reward. It can be a clear next step, a break, a regulating option, or the end of the routine.

Common first then board mistakes

Making the FIRST step too big

“Clean your room” may be too broad. “Put clothes in hamper” is easier to see and start.

Using too many words with the board

The board should reduce verbal load. Point, name the two parts, and give processing time.

Changing the THEN after the person starts

If the then step keeps changing, the board can stop feeling trustworthy.

Only bringing it out during conflict

Practice during easier moments too, so the board does not become a signal that something hard is about to happen.

Using it as a threat

“First do this or else” changes the tone. Keep the board calm, predictable, and supportive.

Skipping sensory needs

If shoes, bath, hair, sound, light, clothing, or food textures are part of the hard moment, the support may need to address the sensory barrier too.

First then board vs visual schedule

A first then board and a visual schedule are both visual supports, but they solve slightly different problems.

Use a first then board when:

  • The person only needs the next two steps
  • The moment is already hard or overloaded
  • A full routine feels like too much information
  • You need quick support for expectations without long explanations

Use a visual schedule when:

  • The person needs to see a larger routine
  • The day has several steps or transitions
  • You are building predictability before the routine starts
  • The person benefits from seeing what is finished and what is still coming
Learn about daily visual schedules Explore the Visual Supports hub

First then board printable options

You can make a first then board with paper, laminated cards, a whiteboard, sticky notes, a phone, or a digital visual schedule tool. The best option is the one that is easy to use in the actual moment.

Need a board right now?

Use the free First Then Board Generator to make a custom two-step board you can print, save, or share.

Open the free generator

Need more reusable cards?

The Sensory Support Visual Schedule Set includes routine boards, transition boards, activity cards, support tags, blanks, and ink-saver pages.

Explore the printable visual schedule set

Need a fuller daily tool?

ViziCues helps you build visual schedules and simple visual supports for routines, transitions, and daily expectations.

Learn about ViziCues

Start building in ViziCues Browse printable visual supports

First then board FAQ

What is a first then board?

A first then board is a two-step visual support. It shows what happens first and what happens next, usually with pictures, words, icons, or cards.

How do you use a first then board?

Choose one clear first step and one clear then step. Show the board, use a short phrase such as “First shoes, then car,” and give the person time to process. Keep the then step predictable and realistic.

Are first-then boards only for autism?

No. First-then boards are often used as visual supports for autistic children, students, and adults, but they may also help people with ADHD, sensory overwhelm, anxiety, language processing differences, or executive function challenges.

What should go in the THEN box?

The then box can show a preferred activity, a break, a regulating option, the next routine step, or “all done.” It should be something that can actually happen after the first step.

What is the difference between a first then board and a visual schedule?

A first then board shows two steps. A visual schedule shows a longer routine, sequence, or day. If the person only needs to see what is happening now and next, a first then board may be easier. If they need the whole routine, a visual schedule may work better.

Can I make a printable first then board for free?

Yes. You can use the free SensoryGift First Then Board Generator to make a custom board and print, save, or share it.