Using Visual Routine Reminders at Home. How Visual Supports Help Children With ADHD at Home and at School
Why Visual Routines Work
Children with ADHD often struggle with:
Transitions between activities
Remembering multi-step instructions
Getting started on tasks
Staying focused
Emotional frustration during “rush” moments (mornings, bedtime, leaving the house)
Visual routine reminders—such as posters, checklists, picture schedules, or laminated cards—reduce these stress points by making expectations clear, predictable, and easy to follow.
How Visual Schedules Help the Brain
Visual reminders support executive functioning by:
Reducing cognitive load: Children don’t have to hold all the steps in their memory at once.
Providing predictability: When kids know what’s coming next, transitions feel safer and calmer.
Supporting independence: Kids can look at the visual instead of relying on repeated verbal reminders.
Helping with emotional regulation: Clear routines reduce overwhelm, which lowers meltdowns or resistance.
Improving follow-through: Children stay on task longer when steps are broken down visually.
Benefits at Home
Visual schedules can make morning and nighttime routines smoother by:
Breaking down complex tasks (“Get ready for school”) into manageable steps
Reducing arguments and power struggles
Helping kids anticipate transitions
Allowing the parent to prompt less and praise more
Giving the child a sense of pride and ownership
Examples of helpful routines:
Morning routine
Bedtime routine
After-school routine
Homework steps
“Before we leave the house” checklist
Benefits at School
Teachers use visual supports for many of the same reasons. Visual routines help students with ADHD:
Follow classroom rules more easily
Stay focused during independent work
Complete multi-step tasks (writing assignments, math routines)
Manage transitions (centers, recess, lining up, cleaning up)
Feel more confident and less overwhelmed
When home and school both use visual structures, children receive consistent support across settings.
Tips for Making Your Visual Routine Work
- Keep each step short and concrete (“Put on socks” vs. “Get ready”).
- Use pictures for younger children and simple words for older ones.
- Post visuals where they are most needed (bathroom, bedroom, hallway, kitchen).
- Practice the routine when everyone is calm.
- Offer praise for following even one step independently.
- Review as the child grows—update visuals to match new skills.
Why This Matters
Children with ADHD aren’t “forgetful on purpose.” Their brains simply work differently. Visual schedules allow them to succeed by giving them tools that match the way they learn best.
With consistency, visual routines can lead to:
More independence
Fewer reminders needed
Less morning and bedtime stress
Better follow-through
Increased confidence
-Rashawna Schumacher, LMFT