How to Use a Visual Timer to Help an Autistic Child With Transitions

“Five more minutes” can be hard to understand when time is abstract. A visual timer makes the remaining time something your child can actually see. Introduce the timer during a calm moment, explain what will happen when it ends, and give a short warning as the time gets smaller. When the timer finishes, follow through and clearly show what comes next: “Timer is done. Clean up, then snack.” Use timers as predictable supports—not threats—and adjust the amount of time to your child’s needs. Consistency helps the timer become a useful signal for transitions.