Printable: First/Then Board

The most-used tool in ABA — a guide to making and using it

2 min read

What it is

A visual with two boxes: FIRST (a picture of the task) and THEN (a picture of the reward).

Why it works

It makes the deal visible and concrete. The child can see that the reward exists and that it's coming — no need to trust a verbal promise they may not fully process.

How to make one

Take a piece of cardboard or laminate paper
Draw or print two boxes side by side
Label: FIRST ___ THEN ___
Use actual photos of your child or clipart that's meaningful to them
Make it velcro-backed so you can swap pictures

Example uses

FIRST put on shoes → THEN we go to the park
FIRST finish 3 bites → THEN iPad for 10 minutes
FIRST homework → THEN video game

Key rules

The "then" must be something the child actually wants
Follow through every time — the child's trust in the system depends on it
Start with short, achievable "first" tasks — build duration gradually
Fade the board once the routine is established

(Printable PDF template — in production. Use any two boxes drawn by hand for now.)