April 11, 2025

Picture This! How Visual Schedules Help Your Child in Speech Therapy

If your child is in speech therapy, you may have heard the term visual schedule. But what exactly is it—and how does it help?

A visual schedule is a tool that shows your child what’s going to happen during their speech session using pictures, symbols, or words. Think of it like a mini roadmap for the day’s activities. It could show steps like: hello song → speech activity → game → goodbye.

Why Are Visual Schedules Helpful?

  • Predictability: Kids know what to expect.
  • Less Anxiety: Seeing the plan helps them feel calmer.
  • Smoother Transitions: Moving between activities gets easier.
  • More Independence: Kids can follow the schedule on their own.

Therapists use visual schedules to help sessions run more smoothly, especially for children who benefit from structure and routine.

Can I Use One at Home?

Yes! Visual schedules can help with morning routines, homework time, or even going to the store. They’re great for building confidence and reducing stress in daily life.

Want to try one? Ask your child’s SLP for ideas—or I can help you create a simple one to start with!

Ashley Rose Carter
Author
Megan is a native Oregonian who has been at Parkwood since 2022. She is trained in PROMPT therapy and is a certified LSVT LOUD for Kids clinician with special interests in motor speech, fluency, behavioral voice, articulation, phonology, and AAC. Prior to her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, she has garnered extensive experience as a preschool teacher as well as an Educational Assistant at a Title I school, where she supported students in both extended resources and contained behavior rooms.

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