First-Then-Next Board: The 3-Card Board

Last updated: October 12, 2026

A First-Then-Next board shows three pictures in a row: what to do first, what comes then, and what comes next. It is the step after a First-Then board, for a child who is ready to see a little more of the plan.

What is a First-Then-Next board?

It is a First-Then board with one more card. The child sees three steps, not two, for example “First bath, then pyjamas, next story”.

The idea stays the same. Pictures show what will happen, in order, so the child does not have to keep your words in mind. Visual supports like this are one of the evidence-based practices in the 2020 review by the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (see Sources).

When is a child ready for three cards?

A child is ready when two cards have become easy. As a rule of thumb, wait until your child follows First-Then calmly most of the time for about two weeks.

Other good signs:

• Your child looks at the board without being asked.
• Your child can wait a short time for the reward.
• Your child points to the Then card, or names it, to check what is coming.
• You notice that your child wants to know what happens after the reward.

There is no right age for this. Some children need two cards for months, and that is fine.

What should go on the Next card?

There are two good ways to use the third card. Pick the one that fits the moment.

Two tasks, then the reward

“First teeth, then pyjamas, next story.” The reward moves to the end, and the child does two small tasks before it. Use this when you want to build a longer routine.

Task, reward, then what comes after

“First homework, then tablet, next dinner.” The reward stays in the middle, and the third card shows how it ends. Use this when stopping the reward is the hard part. The child sees from the start that the tablet is followed by dinner.

How do I move from two cards to three?

Add the third card to a routine that already goes well, and keep the first two cards the same.

1. Pick an easy time of day, not the hardest one.
2. Keep the First and Then cards your child already knows.
3. Add a Next card that is easy or pleasant.
4. Point to each card and say the three steps in short words.
5. After each step, show that it is done, and point to the following card.
6. Use three cards once or twice a day at first. Use two cards for everything else.

What are some First-Then-Next examples?

Here are examples for different parts of the day. Change the words to the ones your family uses.

• First get dressed → Then breakfast → Next school busMorning
• First bath → Then pyjamas → Next storyBedtime
• First wash hands → Then lunch → Next play outsideMeals
• First reading → Then maths → Next breakSchool
• First homework → Then tablet → Next dinnerAfter school
• First tidy toys → Then snack → Next cartoonHome
• First say the words → Then game → Next stickerSpeech therapy
• First shop → Then car → Next playgroundGoing out

What if three cards are too much?

Go back to two cards. This is not a step backwards. It only means the third card came too early.

You can see that it is too much when your child looks away from the board, gets upset at the second card, or asks for the last card again and again. Use two cards for a week or two, and then try again with a very easy Next card.

What comes after First-Then-Next?

The following step is a visual schedule. It shows a bigger part of the day, such as the whole morning, as a row of pictures.

Move on when three cards are easy and your child asks what happens later. Our app Visual Schedule is made for this step. The guide First-Then board vs visual schedule vs token board helps you choose.

How do I make a First-Then-Next board here?

Open the board with the button below. It opens with three cards. Later you can change between two and three cards in the menu (the three dots) with “3 cards”.

Want it on paper? Download a blank First-Then-Next template on the printable page.

Sources

• Sam, A., & AFIRM Team (updated 2024). Visual Supports: EBP brief packet. Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules (AFIRM), UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Brief packet (PDF)
• Steinbrenner, J. R., Hume, K., Odom, S. L., Morin, K. L., Nowell, S. W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N. S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M. N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team. Report (PDF)

More guides

• Free printable First-Then board (PDF)Blank templates and label cards, A4 and US Letter.
• First-Then board for autismHow to start, photos or icons, and how to fade it out.
• First-Then board for toddlersTiny tasks, tiny rewards, potty training and tantrums.
• First-Then board vs visual schedule vs token boardA simple table: when to use which.