Toilet Training – Autistic & difficult children

Think toilet training is a challenge? It can be even more difficult for children with autism. But don’t worry; you can take steps to make the process smoother. This blog post will provide tips on how to toilet-train your child with autism, including how to identify when they’re ready, how to create a schedule, and how to use positive reinforcement.

• Age is not the most critical factor. Instead, focus on prerequisite skills such as sitting in the toilet for at least a minute and withholding urination for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Data collection is critical. Track your child’s urination and bowel movements for two weeks to establish a baseline.
• Positive reinforcement is essential. Reward your child for using the toilet successfully with edible rewards, activity rewards, or verbal praise.
• Schedule toileting trips. Take your child to the toilet every 30-60 minutes, even if they don’t seem to have to go.
• Turn accidents into teaching moments. Quickly rush your child to the toilet if they start having an accident, and encourage them to finish urinating there.
• Be patient and consistent. Toilet training can take weeks or months, so be patient and consistent with your approach.

How to Toilet Train a Child with Autism: A Step-by-Step Guide

*Toilet training a child with autism can be daunting, but it is achievable with the right approach. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from identifying when your child is ready to creating and sticking to a toilet training plan.

• Step 1: Assess your child’s readiness. Look for signs that your child is ready to start toilet training, such as the ability to sit on a toilet for at least a minute, withhold urination for 30 minutes to an hour, and understand simple instructions.
• Step 2: Collect data. Track your child’s urination and bowel movements for two weeks. This will help you establish a baseline and identify patterns.
• Step 3: Create a toilet training plan. This plan should include a schedule for toileting trips, a reward system for successful toileting, and a strategy for dealing with accidents.
• Step 4: Put your plan into action. Start by taking your child to the toilet every 30-60 minutes, even if they don’t seem to have to go. When they use the toilet successfully, reward them with praise or a treat.
• Step 5: Be consistent and patient. Toilet training can take weeks or months, so be patient and consistent with your approach. Don’t get discouraged if your child has accidents. Pick up where you left off and continue to follow your plan.

Additional tips:

• Involve your child’s doctor in the toilet training process. They can provide guidance and support.
• Consider using a waterproof pad or pull-up pants during the early stages of toilet training to protect furniture from accidents.
• Be patient and positive. Toilet training can be frustrating, but staying positive and patient with your child is essential.