An evaluation of photographic activity schedules to increase independent playground skills in young children with autism

Three preschoolers with autism got a small photo book. Each page showed a playground action: climb steps, go down slide, pick up ball.

Trainers taught the kids to point to a picture, do the action, then turn the page. The study tracked how much kids played on their own.

All three children started using the whole playground by themselves. They kept playing even when new photos were added.

The schedule worked like a gentle tour guide. Kids moved from toy to toy without adult prompts.

Betz et al. (2008) used a two-kid picture schedule first. Their goal was peer play. Akers shifted the same tool to solo play, showing one idea can serve two needs.

Dong et al. (2025) later moved the photo schedule to a phone and taught grocery checkout to teens. The cue stayed visual; only the skill and setting changed.

Ledbetter-Cho et al. (2023) swapped photos for short videos in math class. Both studies got good results, so the format can grow with the child and the lesson.

You can make a playground schedule today with a phone camera and a small binder. Take five pictures of your play area. Teach the child to point, play, flip.

No extra staff needed. The child carries the schedule and the fun. Try it during recess or park visits and watch independent play rise.