Daniel W. Mruzek, a psychologist and behavior analyst from the University of Rochester Medical Center, helped in answering a moms question regarding toilet training in public for children with autism.
The question was asked on the Autism Speaks website. She asked the question because of her struggle with her son. She does not have any problem with his son when it comes to toilet training at home but when they go out in public that's when the problem sets in. She is asking for some strategies that would help his son in this very important aspect of his development.
According to Dr. Mruzek, children with autism have an on again, off again pattern because of the variability of the things that they do on a daily basis.Their brains are not wired to be flexible unlike with other typical individuals. He added that knowing isn't the same thing as doing, so we must help our children by guiding them to do the right things at times when they need to be guided. Toilet training in public applies to two kinds of kids living on the spectrum:
1. Those who have been toilet trained but have not yet established the pattern
2. Those who have long standing trouble with toilet accidents.
Dr. Mruzek, suggested the following tips that could help in toilet training children with autism in public:
1. Make it a practice to visit public restrooms. This way they will get use to knowing that when in public, the restroom is a go to place when they need to attend to their personal routines.
It is also suggested that before you do, make it a point to give your child something to drink be it a healthy beverage or water so when you get to the restroom he will give it a go.
2. Positive Reinforcement. As always, even therapist would advise parents to do positive reinforcement by telling your child he did a good job for using the toilet. It could be a form of a high five, or a favorite treat or activity.
3. Use Visual Supports. You might want to consider using this as children with autism are visual learners. The best way to teach them is to show them. You can get some idea or print some visual aids for autism on ASDvisualaids.com to help you out with teaching your kid.
4. Prompt your child for a bathroom break. Use as little words as you can and prompt your child by saying, "Do you need to go now?" You can point to the bathroom signs, this way he would be aware that there is an area for wee time. Encourage him to go but do not nag.
5. Schedule bathroom breaks. Since children with autism are routine oriented, you can schedule their time to go, until they will be able to develop it into their system. Suggested times are before of after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Before sleeping and after waking up.
For more tips, you can also visit, Raising Children website. There a lots of helps out there, don't hesitate and good luck!
