# First & Then

> Visual schedule app for children to manage activity transitions and rewards. (iPhone/iPad app by Alisha Forrest.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-and-then/id655591623 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Alisha Forrest](https://appshunter.io/developer/655591626)
- Category: Education
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 2.10/5 from 9 App Store ratings · 21 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.0 · 37 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-06-09
- Data updated: 2026-08-19
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-and-then/id655591623/reviews.md

## What is First & Then?

Designed by an Occupational Therapist.
First & Then is a very simple app that uses a board with photos to show that one activity must happen before the next can occur. A fantastic tool for visual learners! 

The idea behind a First & Then board is to encourage a child to complete an activity that they don’t particularly enjoy. The board motivates the child to engage in a less preferred activity, knowing that a preferred activity (or a reward) will follow. For example, the ‘first’ activity may be something such as handwriting, homework, eating vegetables, using the toilet or visiting the dentist. The ‘then’ activity may be playing outside, computer time or a chocolate treat. 

The App is extremely simple to use, the board is set up from one page, with clear prompts to help along the way. 

The app allows the user to quickly and simply insert photos from the device’s camera or photo library, meaning that ‘First & Then’ boards can be made on-the-go and with little fuss.  Photos taken are saved within the App to use again and again.

The app includes a coloured visual timer, that the user can choose to use, to show the child how long they need to spend on an activity. As well as a digital display, the time is also represented by a coloured pie chart. When the pie is green, the child needs to keep going. When the pie turns amber, the child needs to get ready to finish. The pie turns red when it is time to stop the activity.

The app also includes a ‘Finished box’. The child can drag the photo into this box when the activity is completed. 

The App is complete with the option to use exciting tones to reward the child for completing the activity.

## Key features

- Visual activity boards
- Photo integration from camera/library
- Colored visual timer with pie chart
- Drag-and-drop 'Finished' box
- Reward tones for task completion
- On-the-go board creation

## Recent user reviews (10 of 21)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-and-then/id655591623/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great for early learners

*2025-10-13*

This app is simple and easy to use for early learners. I like the ability to take photos and add quickly to create a visual. The option to utilize a visual timer for each activity and place in the finished bucket is great. I’ve not had any difficulty utilizing this. It functions as described for a great price.

### 3/5 — Portable alternative to board

*2022-05-31, version 2.1*

Great portable alternative to board would be so much better if you could move the then picture to first and put a new picture into then.

### 1/5 — Good idea needs more support

*2020-10-18*

I like how simple it is. I don’t need more than two spaces. BUT the “library” is severely lacking. Also, you can’t save cards to use again. Many times we need the same one and I have to go through and create it again in a time when I need it ready immediately. I also had no luck using the box when “firsts” were completed. Very disappointed.

### 5/5 — Very Handy

*2020-06-20, version 2.1*

I Downloaded It On My iPad And I Love It. I Fixed It When I First Used It. My 8 Year Old Brother Ben Is Obsessed With It.

### 1/5 — Wish I’d read the reviews more closely

*2020-06-19*

Timer doesn’t work, dragging items to the  “finished” box doesn’t work. Buyer beware.

### 1/5 — Waste of money

*2019-07-05*

Doesn’t even work. How can they still have this app for sale? Shame on the creator for making profit off of families who are seeking ways to support their kids with ASD!

### 1/5 — Not working

*2018-03-04, version 2.1*

Looks like a great app. I’m an Occupational Therapist myself and work with many kiddos that could benefit from an app like this. Unfortunately it doesn’t work:( I open it up and choose the two items and then that’s it. It won’t allow me to set a time, play, or do anything else but go back to the main menu. So it’s pretty useless for me. :(

### 1/5 — Doesn't work!

*2016-09-05, version 1.1*

Downloaded onto my iPhone 6 and can't get even one episode of "first & then" to work. App would allow me to get to the screen, but it crashes when I tried to add pictures from any of the three option: camera, photo library or "first & then" library. Couldn't find any support on App Store sight. I'd really wish we could demand refunds!!!

### 1/5 — Waste of money

*2015-09-17*

Everything showed that pictures came with the app, along with being able to add your own, both options were important. When you look at the apps pic library, nada. Plus the app hasn't been updated in almost 2 years. Very disappointed!!!

### 2/5 — Can't save schedule

*2015-06-22*

I like how easy it is to add photos and move them to the finish box. However, if the child flips to another app, when you flip back, you have to add the photos again. This is a definite negative. Please fix! In the meantime, I will be looking for another app that does similar things.

## Frequently asked questions about First & Then

### What is First & Then used for?

First & Then is a visual schedule app designed to help children understand activity sequences and transitions. It uses a board with photos to show what activity must happen before the next, motivating them with a reward.

### How does the visual timer in First & Then work?

The app includes a colored visual timer that displays time as a digital number and a colored pie chart. The pie chart changes from green to amber and then red to indicate how much time is left for an activity.

### Can I use my own photos in First & Then?

Yes, First & Then allows you to quickly insert photos from your device's camera or photo library. These photos are saved within the app for repeated use.

### What is the 'Finished box' feature in First & Then?

The 'Finished box' is a feature where children can drag the photo of a completed activity. This provides a clear visual cue that a task has been successfully accomplished.

### Does First & Then have ads?

No, First & Then does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application designed to be free of distractions.

### What devices is First & Then compatible with?

First & Then is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for Apple's iOS ecosystem.

### How often is First & Then updated?

The latest version of First & Then is 2.1, which was released on February 8, 2018. Updates are not frequent, with the last update being several years ago.

### What is the user rating for First & Then?

First & Then has a user rating of 1.8 stars based on 8 ratings. This indicates a generally negative user sentiment.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 2.1 — 2018-02-08

minor changes

### 2.0 — 2017-12-10

- a fresh new look
- a selection of preloaded images in the First & Then library
- the ability to save your own images in the First & Then library.
- iOS 11 compatibility

### 1.1 — 2013-11-15

IOS 7.0 compatible.

### 1.0 — 2013-06-05

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-19.*