--- title: "First/Then Cards: Empowering Transitions for Autistic Children" description: Learn how First/Then cards support smoother transitions and positive behaviors in autistic children. Discover practical tips and local Arizona resources. image: https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/hubfs/hero-first-then-cards.webp --- - [Apply Care Credit](https://go.carecredit.com/consumer/providersearch) - [Pay My Bill](https://www.patientnotebook.com/abaclinic/Enhanced/SendMoney/MakePayment) [![Arizona Institute for Autism](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/hubfs/aia-logo.svg "Arizona Institute for Autism")](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/?hsLang=en-us) ![menu](https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/7479797/menu.png) ![close_24px](https://7479797.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7479797/close_24px.svg) - [Home](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com) - [About](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/about) Show submenu for About - [Team](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/team) - [Careers](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/careers) - [FAQ](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/faqs) - [Services](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/services) Show submenu for Services - [Behavioral](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/aba-therapy) - [Psychological](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/autism-evaluations) - [Sociological](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/learner-social-club) - [Library](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/library) - [Contact](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/contact) - [Home](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com) - [About](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/about) Show submenu for About - [Team](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/team) - [Careers](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/careers) - [FAQ](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/faqs) - [Services](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/services) Show submenu for Services - [Behavioral](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/aba-therapy) - [Psychological](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/autism-evaluations) - [Sociological](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/learner-social-club) - [Library](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/library) - [Contact](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/contact) en-us - [English - United States](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/library/first-then-cards-autism-transitions) - [Español](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/es/library/first-then-cards-autism-transitions) - [العربية](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/ar/library/first-then-cards-autism-transitions) [Tour AIA](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/tour?hsLang=en-us) # First/Then Cards: Empowering Transitions for Autistic Children [![Rula Diab, Clinical Director, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rula-diab-avatar.jpg?width=50&height=50&name=rula-diab-avatar.jpg)](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/library/author/rula-diab) [Rula Diab, Clinical Director, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/library/author/rula-diab) 01 June, 2025 ![first then cards help autistic children with transitions](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/hubfs/hero-first-then-cards.webp) Transitions can be challenging for many children, especially those on the autism spectrum. First/Then cards are a simple yet effective tool that can help ease these transitions, promote positive behaviors, and support independence. ## What Are First/Then Cards? First/Then cards are visual aids that outline a sequence of activities: - **First**: The task or activity that needs to be completed. - **Then**: A preferred activity or reward that follows. For example: - **First**: Buckle Seatbelt - **Then**: Watch iPad ![first then cards](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/hubfs/first-then-cards-seatbelt-ipad.png) This approach leverages the Premack Principle, which suggests that a more preferred activity can reinforce a less preferred one. By clearly displaying the sequence, children can better understand expectations and feel more in control of their routines. ## Benefits of Using First/Then Cards - **Reduces Anxiety**: Visual schedules provide predictability, which can alleviate stress associated with transitions. - **Enhances Communication**: Especially beneficial for non-verbal or minimally verbal children, these cards offer a clear method of conveying expectations. - **Promotes Independence**: Children learn to follow routines with less prompting over time. - **Supports Positive Behavior**: By setting clear expectations and rewards, children are more likely to engage in desired behaviors. ## Implementing First/Then Cards at Home 1. **Identify Tasks and Rewards**: Choose a task that needs to be completed and a motivating reward. 2. **Create Visuals**: Use pictures or symbols that your child understands. Resources like [LessonPix](https://lessonpix.com/articles/5/35/First%2BThen%2BBoards) offer customizable templates. 3. **Introduce the Card**: Present the card before starting the task, explaining the sequence. 4. **Follow Through**: Ensure the reward follows immediately after task completion to reinforce the behavior. ## Practical Examples | Setting | First Task | Then Reward | | --- | --- | --- | | Morning | Brush teeth | Watch cartoon | | Community | Grocery shop | Visit park | | School | Write name | Sensory bin play | | Clinic | Complete activity | Tablet time | ## Tips for Success - **Consistency is Key**: Use the cards regularly to establish routines. - **Customize for Your Child**: Tailor the visuals and rewards to your child's preferences and understanding. - **Start Simple**: Begin with easy tasks and gradually increase complexity as your child becomes more comfortable. ## Local Arizona Resources Located in Scottsdale within Phoenix's East Valley, the Arizona Institute for Autism (AIA) offers support and resources for families in the Greater Phoenix and Tucson Metropolitan areas: - **Free Consultations**: Schedule a [free consultation](https://www.azinstitute4autism.com/client-consultation?hsLang=en-us) to discuss personalized strategies for your child. - **In-Home Therapy**: Available in Tucson to provide support within your child's natural environment. - **Upcoming AIA Gifted Shop**: Soon, you'll be able to access a variety of visual support tools, including First/Then cards and PECS collections, through our online storefront. Stay tuned for updates. 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