Potty training is always challenging but you may have more challenges when toilet training autism children. Developing a routine may take longer and have some challenges. If you're not sure of where to get started, these steps provide useful guidelines to make potty training a success.
When Do I Get Started?
Find a period in your life when you have fewer engagements than normal. You can also note that your child could be displaying the following behavior as a sign that it's time to get started:
● Your child knows that they need to use the toilet
● They're able to communicate that they need to be changed
● They show an interest for the toilet without being prompted
● They appear distracted or fidget when they're wet
How Do I Develop a Routine at Home?
The home is the best place to work on a routine and keep in mind that they may be successful at home but have less success in other environments at first. Start by taking note of when your child tends to pee or poop. Identifying a pattern in their schedule allows you to visit the toilet when they actually need to use it.
After you've noticed their schedule, take note of them and try to visit the toilet shortly before their normal voiding times. You won't make it every time and that's to be expected. Don't criticize that they've wet themselves.
In addition to hands-on learning, you can also use visual aids to get the point across. A visual sequence such as photographs outlining the steps used for going to the bathroom are a great way to get started. Consider having visuals of the following steps: pants down, diaper down, lift the lid, sit down, pee/poop, wipe, pants and undies up, flush, and wash hands. You can often find visual supports in books or online as well.
When it comes to positive reinforcement, you'll have to notice what works best for your child. Some children enjoy social praise while others may prefer a structured routine that's calm and ends with them getting to do a fun activity. Use the approach that works best for your child.
Use a potty training social story or books with your child's favorite characters to introduce him/her to the process of using the toilet or the potty chair. Many applications (apps) featuring social stories and books are available on the market. Potty training apps like the one from 1tucan: Super-Intelligent Kids can help. Choose the app that works best with your child.
How Do I Potty Train Outside the Home?
In order to make potty training as successful as possible, try to keep a routine as consistent as possible. Ensure everyone that may be caring for the child follows the same approach. If your child attends a nursery or school, give them the same tools or procedures that you use in the home. Make sure that you and the staff have open communication as well.
Potty training in other environments may be challenging. The bright lights and multiple stalls in a public bathroom are often overwhelming. If possible, find a family bathroom where only one person can be present at a time. If you have to use a public restroom with other people present, encourage your child to focus on their task and consider bringing headphones to limit outside noises.
How Do I Potty Train at Night?
Night time potty training should be tackled after your child mostly has their daytime routine down. You'll have more success if you set a regular bedtime routine that doesn't change over the holidays or weekends. You can also help their success by allowing your child to drink throughout the day but limit overall fluids about an hour before they go to sleep.
As a part of your bedtime routine, visit the toilet shortly before bedtime. They may also have to go one time during the night. It's possible that you could fit this into take them before you go to sleep if you have a later bedtime. If they aren't able to wait through the night though, you may have to change what time you take them. Additionally, make sure that you use some of the plastic covers and other materials to protect their bedding as accidents will happen throughout this process.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Now that you know how to get started potty training in a number of environments, the key to success is persistence and developing a routine that works. If you've tried one method and haven't found it successful after a while, consider changing your methods based on your child's cues. Most children with autism do well with a consistent approach and developing a potty routine.
Ava Wadaby is a contributing writer for Autism Parenting Magazine. She researches and writes about autism as she works to understand the challenges of her son who was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. She also regularly conducts activities with children in her neighborhood, focusing on their learning and development.
