First / Then card

Two big boxes: what happens first, what happens after. The simplest transition support there is.

For: Parents, teachers, therapists · Free to print, copy and share · No sign-up

How does a first-then card help with transitions?

A first-then card shows one thing that has to happen, then one thing that comes after it. It replaces a long spoken explanation with two pictures. It works because the person can see that the hard part ends, and can see exactly what it ends with.

Get the PDF See all printables

The PDF is built in your browser on the next screen — nothing is saved or emailed.

How to use it

  1. Print and cut along the middle line if you want two cards per sheet.
  2. Draw or stick the task in the FIRST box.
  3. Put something genuinely motivating in the THEN box — chosen by them, not by you.
  4. Show the card and say the two words: 'first shoes, then park.'
  5. Do not add a third step. Two is the whole point.
  6. Follow through immediately on the 'then'. That's what makes it trusted next time.

Things worth knowing

Where a paper sheet stops

A printed sheet is fixed. It can't change when the routine changes, it doesn't know the person using it, and it can't put anything in writing for a school or clinic.

Want this made for your situation?

Nova can talk through the transition that keeps going wrong and suggest what to put in the 'then' box.

Nova is a support companion for autistic people, families and the professionals who help them. Every printed sheet carries a scannable code and this short link: portal.novaautism.com/s/first-then-card

Ask Nova what to try Get the PDF

Other free printables

Visual schedule template

Blank picture-and-word boxes for a morning, school, or bedtime routine.

Sensory profile checklist

Work through each sense and mark what soothes, what overwhelms, and what's still unclear.

Social story template

A blank, first-person story frame for a new place, a change, or something that keeps going wrong.

Meltdown & triggers log

Record what came before, what helped, and how long recovery took. Patterns show up within two weeks.

This sheet is a practical support, not medical, legal, or diagnostic advice.