Change in Routine
A “today is different” visual that helps your child see and accept a change in the plan — with simple words to go with it.
- Category · Daily Life & Independence
- Visual Support
- Ages · Early childhood · Elementary · Tween
- Home · School · Community
Some children can handle a change easily if they can see it coming. A small visual that marks the change — “today is different” — makes the new plan concrete instead of a surprise.
Who it may help
- Children who ask the same question over and over when plans shift.
- Children who need time to adjust before a change happens.
- Any family dealing with canceled plans, substitute teachers, or surprise errands.
How to use it
- As soon as you know the plan is changing, show the visual and say the new plan in two sentences or fewer.
- Keep the old plan visible too: “We planned the park, and today is different — we go to Grandma’s instead.”
- Practice with small, low-stakes changes so the big ones are easier.
- Send a version to school for days when the schedule shifts there.
The blank version lets you draw or add your own “new plan” picture. The Toolkit Plus version personalizes the visual with your child’s photo and your family’s words.
Versions include picture plus word, picture-only, a blank version to make your own, and a personalized Toolkit Plus version.