Using a First-Then Board: A Simple Autism Visual Support That Works

Using a First-Then Board: A Simple Autism Visual Support

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Why First-Then Boards Work for Autism Visual Supports

3. How First-Then Helps with Opposition

4. Who Benefits from First-Then Visuals?

5. How to Make a Simple First-Then Board

6. Research Supporting First-Then Visuals

7. First-Then Visuals in My Products

8. Conclusion

   
   

Introduction

Many autistic children thrive with autism visual supports because they process information better when they can see it rather than just hear it. One simple but highly effective strategy for supporting autistic children is using a First-Then board. These easy-to-use visuals clarify expectations, reduce opposition, and make transitions smoother.

In this post, we'll explore why First-Then boards are helpful, how they address opposition, who can benefit from them, how to make one, and the research backing their effectiveness. Plus, I'll share some of my products that include First-Then visuals, as they are one of my go-to autism behavior strategies.

Why First-Then Boards Work for Autism Visual Supports

Many children with autism are strong visual learners. They often struggle with understanding spoken instructions alone but can process information much more effectively when paired with a visual.

A First-Then board breaks tasks into two clear steps:

• First: The required activity (e.g., “First brush teeth”)

• Then: The preferred activity (e.g., “Then tablet time”)

First-Then boards provide a clear, structured way to help children follow through with expectations without feeling forced. You can grab this toothbrushing visual for free HERE

This simple approach makes expectations clear and helps children understand what needs to happen before they get access to something they enjoy. When expectations are visually presented, children are less likely to feel overwhelmed or confused.

Research has consistently shown that visual schedules for autism improve task completion and reduce problem behaviors in children with autism (Hodgdon, 1995).

How First-Then Helps with Opposition

Many autistic children struggle with transitions or resist doing activities requested by others. This opposition can stem from anxiety, difficulty with flexibility, or simply a strong preference for certain activities. First-Then boards provide a clear, structured way to help children follow through with expectations without feeling forced.

For instance, if a child refuses to put on shoes, a First-Then board can show:

• First: Put on shoes

• Then: Go outside to play

  
  

This method shifts the focus away from compliance and instead creates predictability and motivation. By visually linking the non-preferred task with a preferred one, children are often more willing to follow through.

Who Benefits from First-Then Visuals?

While First-Then visuals are widely used with autistic children, they can also benefit:

• Children with ADHD who struggle with transitions

• Children with speech delays who need nonverbal communication support

• Children with oppositional behaviors who need structure

• Preschoolers who are still developing the ability to follow multi-step directions

Essentially, any child who benefits from clear, autism visual supports can use a First-Then board to increase cooperation and reduce frustration.

How to Make a Simple First-Then Board

Creating a First-Then board is easy and requires just a few materials:

Steps to Make One:

1. Get a small board or paper – Laminated paper, cardstock, or a small dry-erase board works well.

2. Use Velcro or write directly – If using Velcro, attach two squares labeled First and Then.

3. Choose simple pictures – Photos, clipart, or simple drawings work best.

4. Place tasks in order – Show a required task under First and a preferred activity under Then.

   
   

If you want a reusable version, laminating a First-Then board and using dry-erase markers is a great option.

Research Supporting First-Then Visuals

The effectiveness of First-Then visuals is backed by research in autism intervention. Studies have found that visual schedules for autism and structured supports significantly improve compliance and reduce anxiety for children with autism.

• Hodgdon (1995) found that using autism visual supports helps autistic children follow routines more independently and reduces reliance on verbal prompts.

• Cohen-Almeida et al. (2000) demonstrated that First-Then strategies improve participation in non-preferred tasks by providing a predictable reinforcement structure.

• Dettmer, Simpson, Myles, & Ganz (2000) highlighted how visual supports decrease problem behaviors and improve transition success.

  
  

  

  
  

First-Then Boards in My Products

Because First-Then boards are such an effective strategy, I include them in many of my resources. Here are three of my products that incorporate First-Then visuals to support autistic children:

1. Dressing Bundle – This bundle of digital download includes items to encourage independent dressing

2. Pooping in Potty Visual Supports – These visuals are designed to help ease the anxiety many children with autism have around having a bowel movement in the toilet

3. Potty Training Visual Supports – All the visuals you need to toilet train a child with autism.

   
   

   

   These visuals for potty training are available on ETSY or TPT.

Conclusion

A First-Then board is one of the simplest and most effective autism visual supports. It provides clear expectations, increases cooperation, and helps children transition between activities more smoothly. Whether you create your own or use a pre-made resource, First-Then boards are an easy way to add structure and support to your child's day.

If you're looking for ready-to-use visual schedules for autism that incorporate First-Then strategies, check out my resources above!

References

• Cohen-Almeida, D., Graff, R. B., & Ahearn, W. H. (2000). Effects of First-Then reinforcement schedules on compliance in children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33(4), 515-518.

• Dettmer, S., Simpson, R. L., Myles, B. S., & Ganz, J. B. (2000). The use of autism visual supports to facilitate transitions of students with autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 15(3), 163-169.

• Hodgdon, L. A. (1995). Visual Strategies for Improving Communication: Volume I. Troy, MI: Quirk Roberts Publishing.

I hope this post helps you feel confident in using First-Then boards with your child or students! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.