Visual Timer for Autism
Time you can see. A silent, colour-coded countdown that makes 'five more minutes' concrete instead of abstract.
Make time visible, not abstract
For many autistic children the problem with transitions is not the next activity — it is not knowing when the current one ends. A visual timer converts elapsed time into a shrinking coloured area that requires no numeracy and no reading. AutismDock's timer is deliberately quiet: no ticking, no alarm blast, just a soft chime or a purely visual end signal that you choose. Pair it with a first-then board or a visual routine and the same timer runs each step, so transitions stop being a negotiation.
Key benefits
Time you can see
Shrinking colour, no numbers needed.
Silent option
Visual-only end signal.
Low sensory load
Pastel palette, no flashing.
Pairs with routines
Runs each step automatically.
What's included
- 1 to 60 minute visual countdown.
- Silent, chime or vibration end signal.
- Full-screen mode for classrooms.
- Pause and resume without losing the step.
- Presets for recurring activities.
- Runs inside visual routines.
- Works offline once loaded.
- Free, no ads, no sign-up to try.
Frequently asked questions
Why do visual timers help autistic children?+
They translate abstract time into a spatial, visible quantity, which removes uncertainty about when an activity ends.
Does it make a loud noise?+
Only if you want it to. You can choose a soft chime, a vibration or a purely visual end signal.
What length should I set?+
Short enough that the child can wait successfully. Two minutes that end well beats ten minutes that end in a meltdown.
Can it run alongside a routine?+
Yes, the timer can be attached to each step of a visual routine so the sequence advances on its own.
Is it free?+
Yes, the visual timer is free to use.