Spotlight on Potty Training

Super Short Potty Training Video

Top 10 Countdown for Potty Training

If you have a child with ASD and are just getting started with toilet training, here 5 things to do for getting off to a good start.

#1: Change in the Bathroom When a diaper or pull-up or clothing needs to be changed, do it in the bathroom, with the child standing up, not laying on the floor, or a bed. All parts of the bathroom routine should happen in the bathroom (it only makes sense!)

#2: Start a Consistent Schedule Take the child to practice at least 3 times a day (morning, afternoon, evening). We suggest that everyone (boys as well as girls) starts sitting down on the toilet or potty for up to 5 minutes max and not immediately after an accident and keep a record of all eliminations

#3: Practice Related Skills Such as: Pulling pants up and down, sitting still, wiping, flushing and washing hands

#4: Use Positive Reinforcement Find something really special for your child, show it to the child and tell him or her that it’s available for elimination in the toilet or potty. If you have another child who can model using the toilet, give that child the reward and let the child with autism see the connection between going in the toilet and getting the reward.

#5: Clean up Accidents Have the child with autism participate helping to wipe up a puddle on the floor, put soiled clothing in the laundry, dumping a BM from the diaper to the toilet and do NOT punish, stay neutral

Resources

1. Books

  • Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and other Developmental Issues By Maria Wheeler, Future Horizons Publishers, 2007
  • Ready, Set, Potty!  Toilet Training for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disorders By Brenda Batts, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2010
  • The Potty Journey:  Guide to Toilet Training Children with Special Needs Including Autism and Related Disorders By Judith Coucouvanis, Autism Asperger Publishing Company, 2008

***We may have copies of these books in our lending library. Please call us at 352-265-2230 if you are interested in borrowing one.***

2. Other

We hope you found this brief spotlight informative and relevant.  If you would like more in depth training about this topic or another, please submit a training request. Please share feedback with us!