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First Then Board

Visual Schedule for ABA Therapy

Evidence-Based ABA Therapy

The Science BehindFirst Then Boards

Discover how First Then Board leverages the Premack principle and visual learning research to create the most effective sequencing tool for autism therapy and behavior support.

Why First Then Boards Work

First Then boards are scientifically proven to increase compliance and reduce challenging behaviors through visual sequencing and the Premack principle of behavioral reinforcement.

Clear Expectations

Visual sequencing eliminates uncertainty and reduces anxiety by showing exactly what comes next.

Reduced Resistance

The Premack principle shows that preferred activities increase compliance with non-preferred tasks by 70-85%.

Decreased Meltdowns

Predictable routines and clear transitions reduce challenging behaviors by up to 60% in clinical studies.

Executive Function

Visual planning strengthens working memory, task initiation, and cognitive flexibility skills.

The Science of Visual Sequencing

Decades of research in Applied Behavior Analysis and cognitive psychology demonstrate the effectiveness of visual schedules and the Premack principle for behavior management and skill development.

The Premack Principle

Developed by David Premack in 1965, this behavioral principle states that high-probability behaviors can reinforce low-probability behaviors. 'First work, then play' is a classic example of this scientifically proven approach.

Visual Support Effectiveness

Research shows that visual schedules increase task completion rates by 40-60% and reduce transition time by 50% for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental differences.

Anxiety Reduction

Studies demonstrate that predictable routines and clear expectations significantly reduce anxiety and stress responses, leading to improved learning outcomes and behavior regulation.

Clinical Applications

First Then Board is designed for real-world therapy settings, supporting evidence-based interventions across multiple disciplines and environments.

ABA Therapy
  • Task Sequencing Training
  • Transition Management
  • Compliance Building
  • Routine Establishment
Special Education
  • Classroom Transitions
  • Academic Task Sequencing
  • Social Skills Development
  • Executive Function Support
Home & Family
  • Morning & Evening Routines
  • Chore Completion
  • Homework Support
  • Behavior Consistency

Effective Implementation

Follow these evidence-based strategies to maximize the effectiveness of First Then boards in therapy and daily routines.

Best Practices
  • Start with simple, achievable tasks before complex sequences
  • Use clear, concrete images that represent the actual activity
  • Consistently follow through with the "then" activity as reinforcement
  • Gradually increase task complexity as skills develop
Success Strategies
  • Present the board before starting any activity
  • Use positive reinforcement for completing the "first" task
  • Keep the "then" activity highly motivating and preferred
  • Fade visual prompts gradually as independence increases

Ready to Transform Task Sequencing?

Join thousands of therapists and families using evidence-based First Then boards to build compliance and reduce challenging behaviors.