A ‘First and Then board’ (sometimes known as ‘Now and Next’) is a strategy that can be used to visually communicate instructions or expectations to a child. ‘First and Then boards’ can help alleviate anxiety related to transitions or changes in routines.

The board consists of two sections; what the child is asked to do ‘first’ and then what the child can ‘then’ do once they have completed the first activity.

Both activities are represented visually either through the use of objects of reference, photos, pictures or symbols.