Guide
How to print, cut and set up your kit
Everything here is also in the Start Here guide that comes with the kit. This page is for reading before you buy, or on your phone while you stand at the printer.
1. Print at the right size
- Paper: US Letter (8.5 × 11 in).
- In the print window choose Actual size or 100%. Do not use “Fit to page” or “Shrink to fit”: the cards would come out smaller than the spaces on the boards.
- Leave orientation on Auto. Some pages are landscape.
- To check, measure the bar on the “Print, Cut and Assemble” page of the guide. It should be exactly 2 inches.
2. Choose your paper
- Cardstock (65 lb or heavier) holds up best for cards.
- Regular paper works for boards, and for cards if you laminate them.
- No color printer? Use the Ink-Saver folder. It is the same kit in grayscale with thin lines.
- A print shop can print the files for you. Ask for US Letter, actual size, single-sided.
3. Print only what you need
The kit has 241 pages, and nobody needs all of them on day one. A good first print is one board and one card page:
- File 2, page 1: the First / Then board.
- File 3: one routine chart, or one of the three ready-made routines.
- File 8: the card page for the part of the day you want to start with.
4. Cut
- Cut the cards along their outer border. A paper trimmer is much faster than scissors for card sheets.
- Large cards are 1.8 × 2.1 in. Mini cards are 1.2 × 1.4 in.
5. Laminate (optional)
- Laminate boards whole.
- For cards: cut first, laminate with a little space between them, then cut again leaving a thin clear edge so the layers stay sealed.
- No laminator? Clear packing tape, self-adhesive laminating sheets or sheet protectors all work.
6. Attach the cards
- Hook-and-loop dots. One side goes on the small circle in each space on the board, the other on the back of each card. Use the same side on every card so any card fits any space.
- Magnets. Adhesive magnet dots on the cards, then use the fridge or a magnetic board.
- Nothing extra. Reusable putty or a paper clip works, or lay the cards on the board on a table.
7. Store
Keep spare cards sorted by group in envelopes, zip bags or a binder with card pages. The colored border on each card shows its group at a glance.
Common printing problems
- The cards do not fit the spaces. The page was scaled. Print again at 100%.
- The edges are cut off. Turn off “borderless” printing and print at 100%. All pages have a half-inch margin.
- A file will not open. Use a current PDF reader, such as the free Adobe Acrobat Reader or your browser. If it still does not open, email us at .
The Autism & ADHD Routine Kit is an organizational tool for daily routines. It is not therapy, a treatment, or medical, psychological or educational advice.