Simple visual boards to support routines, reduce anxiety, and help children understand what’s happening next.

Our Now / Next Boards are a free, practical visual support designed to help children understand what is happening nowand what will happen next.

For many neurodivergent children, uncertainty and change can be overwhelming. Now/Next boards provide clarity and predictability, helping children feel safer, calmer, and more able to engage.

They can be used at home, in school, or in community settings.

What Are Now/Next Boards?

A Now/Next board (sometimes referred to as a First/Then board) is a simple visual aid that breaks down activities into manageable steps, showing what is happening now and what will happen next. These boards can be tailored to various situations, helping individuals navigate their day with clear expectations. Some boards may also include a third step to show what will happen after the next activity.

Why Are They Useful?

Now/Next boards are particularly useful for neurodiverse individuals who may find it challenging to transition between activities or understand the sequence of events. They:

• Reduce anxiety by providing clear and predictable steps for what is coming next.
• Support focus by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
• Encourage task completion by showing what needs to be done now and offering motivation for what comes next.
• Increase independence as individuals learn to follow routines and transitions with less prompting.

How to Use a Now/Next Board

Using a Now/Next board is simple and flexible to the individual’s needs. The board can show two or three steps, depending on the complexity of the situation:

• Now/Next: Show what the individual is doing now and what will happen after that.
• First/Then: Use this wording to emphasise the sequence of events, especially when motivating the individual to complete a task before moving on to something more desirable.
• First/Next/Then: This version is used to show three sequential activities, offering more structure when planning a longer series of events.

Example:

First: Brush teeth.
Next: Get dressed.
Then: Watch a favourite TV show.

Now/Next boards can be customised with visuals, pictures, or written words, depending on what works best for the individual. It’s important to place the board somewhere visible, and review it regularly to build familiarity with the routine.

The Three Types of Wording

Now/Next: Simple and clear, showing the current activity and the next task. Ideal for breaking down tasks into small steps.

First/Then: Helps motivate by showing that after completing the first task, a preferred activity or reward will follow. For example, First homework, then playtime.

First/Next/Then: Offers a bit more structure by introducing a third step, useful when planning a slightly longer sequence of activities.

Tips for Success

• Keep it simple: Use minimal words and clear visuals.
• Be consistent: Use the board daily to create a routine.
• Offer praise: Celebrate success when each step is completed, reinforcing the benefits of following the board.

The matching cards are designed to be used alongside the boards to make routines, transitions, and expectations clear and personalised. They can be added, swapped, or reused as needed to reflect different activities, settings, or parts of the day. Using cards with the boards helps children understand what is happening and what will happen next, reducing uncertainty and supporting confidence, independence, and emotional regulation.