Preparing for Events
Look through what will happen before a visit, a first day or a new routine.
If it’s happening right now
- Tell them what will happen next in order, using short sentences and pictures if you have them.
- Say what they can do if it gets hard, such as ask for a break, hold your hand, or use a signal you have agreed.
- Pack something familiar: a comfort item, a snack, headphones or a favourite book.
- Allow extra time so you are not rushing, and let staff know in advance what helps.
- Plan something calm afterwards, and talk about how it went when you are both ready.
These are everyday suggestions, not medical advice. Everything below can wait until your child is ready.
For when things are calm
- Dentist Visit PackShows what happens at a dental check-up and what your child can do about it.
- Haircut PackShows what happens at a haircut and what your child can do about it.
- First Day of School PackA picture story and sequence chart for a new school day.
- Toilet Routine PackA calm, step-by-step picture routine.
- Practise a SituationThirty-three everyday moments to talk through together before they happen.
- Situation CoachTurns an upcoming event into a short visual story you can go through together.
Specific situations
13 situations
Going to the dentist
Dentist preparation packGetting a haircut
Haircut preparation packGoing to the doctor
Doctor visit packWaiting for your name or number to be called
Waiting for my number to be calledFirst day of school
First day of school packGetting ready for school in the morning
Story: Getting Ready for SchoolWaiting for a birthday or a present
Waiting for my birthdayGoing somewhere new
Story: Going Somewhere NewTrying something new
Story: Trying Something NewWaiting to go somewhere exciting
Waiting to go somewhere excitingWaiting for food at a café or restaurant
Waiting for my food at a caféBedtime
Bedtime routine packUsing the toilet
Toilet routine pack