Make a visual routine that fits your day
JoSS Kids Lab · Tool-use documentation · Updated October 29, 2026. Editorial and clinical review scope
The starting cards are examples. A useful board reflects the learner’s actual day, choices and communication methods. This walkthrough explains how to customize the website and get a paper version, using a morning routine as an example. Keep established communication supports available alongside the board.
Start with the job the board needs to do
A sequence can preview several activities; a first–then board keeps two moments in view; a picture message lets someone compose a short message. Choose the layout based on what you want to show. A longer board is not automatically more helpful. The default card set can be changed, and you can remove unrelated steps rather than fitting the day to the template.
Customize a morning example
Open the morning routine, choose Customize and compare each card with the actual morning. Use a familiar label for breakfast, remove an irrelevant step and add a custom card if needed. Move cards with the arrow controls or supported dragging. Check the order in the main board after editing. If First → Then is selected, return to Customize to review cards that are outside the first two visible positions.
Use the board as a shared reference
Preview the plan together and leave room for change. A picture can support a choice, a request or an explanation of what comes next. Do not make communication access, food, toileting or a needed break something that has to be earned through completion. Checkmarks and stars are optional interface features; they do not establish that a learner understood or agreed to a plan.
Choose a paper copy or a shared link
Use Print / PDF to open the browser print dialog, inspect the preview and select paper or Save as PDF. Printing avoids needing the screen beside the routine. Share activity encodes the current board labels in a link; anyone receiving that link can read those labels. Keep names, health details and private appointment information out of shared cards. Browser-local saving does not sync the board across devices.
A short checklist
- Pick a sequence, first–then or picture-message layout.
- Replace example labels and remove cards that do not apply.
- Reorder with the arrow controls and preview the main board.
- Print a copy or share a link containing only non-private labels.
When something does not fit
Only two cards are visible.
First → Then shows two positions. Open Customize to review the cards or choose the sequence layout for a longer visible routine.
My board is different on another device.
Local saving belongs to this browser. Share activity carries the board configuration, while a printed copy works without transferring browser storage.
The paper preview is not useful.
Review the browser’s print scale, orientation and margins, and remove unnecessary cards. Check the preview before printing; printer settings vary.
Try these activities
Explore the full visual schedules, first–then boards & picture communication collection →
Sources and scope
This walkthrough explains the website’s controls and example tasks. It does not prescribe treatment or establish clinical effectiveness. Primary guidance is linked for background; its publishers do not endorse these tools.