Visual Schedule Shower Routine Bundle – Light Skin
For many children with neurodivergent needs, a “simple” shower is actually a complex series of sensory transitions and motor-planning behaviours. This 18-step task analysis breaks down the routine into manageable, predictable micro-steps, reducing the anxiety of the unknown and building the confidence required for self-care. Pairing the visual task analysis with the provided social story helps your child understand the “why” behind the showering.
What’s Included in Your Digital Download:
1. Shower Routine Task Analysis
- The 18-Step Master Schedule: A sequenced task analysis covering 18 steps of a shower routine. A sheet with the numbered flow is also included in the event your child prefers this option rather than Velcroed checkmarks.
- Inclusive Variations: Visual icons available in dark and medium skin tones to ensure your child sees themselves reflected in their learning tools.
- Interactive Progress Tracker: A coordinating sheet of framed green checkmarks designed to be cut out and used with Velcro, allowing your child to physically “check off” completed tasks.
- Print-Ready Format: Optimized for standard Letter Sized (8.5″ x 11″) paper for easy home printing and lamination.
Key Benefits for Your Child:
- Promotes Executive Functioning: Helps with sequencing and memory by externalizing the “to-do” list.
- Fosters Independence: Reduces the need for verbal hovering and parental prompts.
- Reduces Transitions Anxiety: Provides a clear “beginning, middle, and end” to a high-sensory routine.
- Supports Literacy: Pairs clear visual icons with functional language labels to boost word recognition and/or number sequencing.
2. Social Story
Tips for Using Social Story
- Read it Daily: Read the story at a neutral time (not right before the shower) so your child can process the information without the sensory pressure of the actual task.
- Use Declarative Language: Instead of asking, “What do we do next?”, say, “I see that the next step is the towel wrap.” This reduces the pressure to “perform” for a child who primarily uses language for needs.
- Personalize the Photos: For the best results, you can replace the photos with actual photos of your bathroom and your child’s specific items. This makes it much easier for them to visualize. We’ve added a blank copy of the story as part of the bundle for personalized photos.
3. First/Then Board
This simple visual tool is the key to motivation. By clearly pairing the ‘demand’ (First: Shower) with the ‘reward’ (Then: iPad), you reduce negotiation and anxiety. It shows your child that the preferred activity isn’t gone; it’s just waiting until after the routine is complete.