Bee READY • Free visual support

Free First Then Board Creator

Make your own printable First Then board with pictures or your own photos.

Create a free visual First Then board online for transitions, routines, waiting, schoolwork, and everyday tasks. Designed for autism, ADHD, executive functioning, and daily life support. Use it on screen or print and save it as a PDF.

Upload real photos Phone friendly Printable Transition support

Make a First–Then Board

Useful for hygiene, schoolwork, waiting, routines, appointments, and difficult transitions.

Board title optional

FIRST

What happens first? First step image

Add a photo Tap the hexagon

Upload your own photo

2:00 Ready

Mini Bee Timer 2 minute timer Use it for the FIRST step, waiting, or transitions.

THEN

What happens next? Then step image

Add a photo Tap the hexagon

Upload your own photo

Quick image library

Choose a picture

Select FIRST or THEN, then tap an icon. You can still upload your own photo on either board.

Use familiar photos and short language. A First–Then board is a visual support—not a punishment or compliance tool.

Bee READY • Examples

Sample First–Then Boards

Swipe through complete examples for routines, transitions, waiting, schoolwork, and everyday tasks.

Learning 01

Homework

FIRST Homework

THEN Video Game

Pair one clear task with a motivating next activity.

Routine 02

Bedtime

FIRST Brush Teeth

THEN Story Time

Show the routine before repeated verbal reminders begin.

Independence 03

Clean Up

FIRST Clean Up Toys

THEN Play Outside

Make the current expectation and next activity easy to see.

Preparation 04

Doctor Visit

FIRST Doctor Visit

THEN Special Treat

Preview an unfamiliar event and show what follows afterward.

Community 05

Car Ride

FIRST Car Ride

THEN Playground

Make travel and community transitions feel more predictable.

Visual support guide

What Is a First–Then Board?

A First–Then board is a simple visual support that shows what is happening now and what comes next. It can make routines, transitions, waiting, and difficult tasks feel more predictable and easier to understand.

What can it help with?

Transitions, hygiene routines, schoolwork, waiting, bedtime, chores, therapy tasks, community outings, and everyday expectations.

Where can I use it?

At home, school, therapy, restaurants, stores, appointments, in the car, during homeschool, or anywhere the next step feels unclear.

Why use real photos?

A photo of the actual toothbrush, homework table, swing, snack, or playground may be easier to recognize than generic clipart.

Start simple

How to Use a First–Then Board

1
Keep the language short.
Use a few familiar words, such as “First shoes. Then car.”
2
Use recognizable visuals.
Choose real photos when they make the plan easier to understand.
3
Show it before the transition.
Introduce the board before the difficult moment begins.
4
Point while you speak.
Show “First,” and then point to what happens next.
5
Use it as support—not pressure.
Pair the board with regulation, choices, and calm adult help.

Common questions

First–Then Board FAQ

Are First–Then boards only for autism?

No. They can also support children with ADHD, anxiety, developmental delays, speech delays, sensory needs, and executive functioning challenges.

Can I use my own photos?

Yes. Real photos from a phone can make the board more familiar and easier to understand.

What should go in the “First” section?

“First” is usually the current task, transition, routine, or expectation, such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, finishing one worksheet, or waiting.

Does “Then” always need to be a reward?

No. “Then” may simply be the next activity. A preferred activity can be used when motivation is helpful, but it does not always need to function as a reward.

Do I need to print the board?

No. It can be used directly on a phone or tablet. Printing may help when the board will stay near a bathroom, desk, classroom, or routine area.

What if my child ignores the board?

Shorten the language, use more familiar photos, introduce it while the child is calm, and pair it with supportive adult guidance. Visual supports often become more useful with repetition.