What's next? Development of a smartphone visual planner designed for ease of use by adults with intellectual disabilities and autism

Visual planners or schedules can be used with people who have difficulties in understanding associated with conditions such as autism spectrum condition (ASC) or intellectual disability (ID). They prompt users about the activities or tasks they will be undertaking in order to help reduce anxiety and confusion and assist users to participate in the activities they are offered. Planners can be realised in physical form for a user to engage with; they can also be realised in computer-based or mobile applications. Symbols, images and text can be used in the user interface, which should be designed for simplicity and clarity in order to make it accessible and comprehensible. Visual information about activities should be uncomplicated and language used should be clear. The development of a prototype mobile visual planner application for people with ASC and ID is described here.