What is a visual daily schedule?
A visual daily schedule is an overview of the day using pictograms, photos or drawings instead of (only) words. Each activity — waking up, breakfast, school, play, bedtime — gets its own picture, in the order it happens.
At home it often hangs on the fridge or wall; at school in the classroom. A digital visual schedule like daylumi shows the same on a tablet or phone and adapts when the day changes.
Why does a visual schedule help with autism and ADHD?
Many autistic children and children with ADHD benefit from predictability. Spoken explanations disappear instantly; a picture stays. A visual schedule shows what is coming, so transitions feel less sudden.
Parents also use it to repeat themselves less: the child can look up the next step. Every child is different — find the form that works together with your child (and a professional if you have one). daylumi does not give medical advice.
How to make a visual daily schedule
Whether you use paper or an app, these steps help.
1. Choose clear pictures
Always use the same pictogram or photo for the same activity. Your own photos of home, school or the car are often recognised faster.
2. Start with part of the day
Begin with the morning or evening. A short schedule of five or six steps is easier to follow than a full day.
3. Show what is happening now
Make the current moment clear. Finished steps can be ticked off or removed.
4. Prepare for changes
Plans changed? Update the schedule and show the new order before the moment arrives.
5. Repeat and keep it calm
The same routine each day makes the schedule familiar. Few colours and little clutter keep it readable.
Paper picture board or digital schedule?
A paper board is tangible and cheap, but needs printing, cutting, laminating and rearranging every time the day changes.
A digital visual schedule like daylumi builds the day from one sentence, uses your own photos, highlights the current moment automatically and adjusts the rest of the day when plans change. You approve every suggestion first; photos of your child stay on your device.
Questions about visual schedules
What is the difference between a visual schedule and a visual timetable?
They are different words for the same idea: showing the day in a fixed order, usually with pictograms.
From what age can a child use a visual schedule?
There is no fixed age. Young children often start with two pictures ("first – then"); older children follow a full day or week.
Is a visual schedule only for autistic children?
No. It is widely used with autism and ADHD, but it also helps other children who look for structure in their day.
Can I use my own photos instead of pictograms?
Yes. In daylumi you can mix pictograms and your own photos. Photos stay on your device and are never sent to the AI.
How much does daylumi cost?
The first month is free. After that it is €15.99 per month or €139 per year. You can cancel before anything is charged.
Make your first visual day
Describe the day in one sentence; daylumi turns it into a calm visual schedule for your child. First month free.