Many families and children find toilet training to be a frustrating and sometimes emotional experience.

 

Learning to use the bathroom independently is an important life skill for any child, but especially for ASD children. Recognize that many typically developing children have difficulties with this. A child with autism spectrum disorder is going to have even more difficulties due to the unique challenges that can make potty training all the more daunting. It will take longer – which is fine. But with a solid, consistent plan, it will happen.

What Effect Does Autism Have on Toilet Training?

 

Individuals with autism may experience incontinence or require extra assistance with hygiene for a variety of reasons.

 

Here is a list of some of the most common problem behaviors and other issues they may encounter that can make using the bathroom more difficult for them and you.

 

• refusal to use the bathroom,
• Aversion to sitting on the toilet
• a desire to play in the toilet water;
• Inability to recognize the urge to urinate;
• Issues with initiating or communicating the need to use the restroom
• Difficulties with motor planning, such as difficulty feeling stable while sitting on the toilet;

Signs That It’s Time to Start Potty Training

 

Your child must show signs of readiness for potty training before beginning a potty training routine.

Common indications that they are ready for potty training include:

 

• grabbing or pointing at a wet or dry diaper
• When they soil their diaper, they go into hiding.
• showing interest in other people’s toilet use and/or mimicking other people’s bathroom behavior
• Keeping a dry diaper for longer periods of time
• indicating that they are about to or have just gone in their diaper
• demonstrating interest and independence by removing diaper and/or pants
• Understand and follow basic instructions

How Does ABA Therapy Help Children Learn to Use the Toilet?

 

ABA therapy teaches potty training in a way that is unique to each child’s needs and abilities. Because there are numerous techniques, your ABA interventionist will assist you in determining which methods are likely to be the most appropriate and effective for your child based on the skills they already possess.

Potty Training Tips for Your ASD Child

Check to see if they are developmentally ready.

Determine your child’s developmental stage, both mentally and physically. The process will be difficult if they do not have body awareness. Before training begins, address any motor planning issues. This is also the time to work on teaching feelings of being wet or dry, soiled or clean. Recognize it for them so they can begin to recognize and associate those feelings.

Make a toilet training strategy before you begin.

Toileting will go much more smoothly if you plan ahead of time. This includes ensuring that medical concerns are addressed, that appropriate underwear is selected, and that reinforcers are available.

Make use of the visual prompt.

To help your child understand what is expected, use the visual prompt with simple and direct language. It works best when you present the verbal direction alongside visual support while immediately guiding your child to the toilet with little or no additional discussion.

Maintain consistency in your training.

Children with autism benefit from consistency and routine because they feel more at ease and learn better. If you want your child to be potty trained quickly, you must have a plan in place that everyone adheres to. The more consistent your family is, the faster your child will learn to use the toilet.

Reward Desired Behaviors

Make a special reward just for toilet training, such as a small reward for sitting on the toilet for a certain amount of time and a larger reward for completing the task correctly. The desire for scarce rewards will motivate them to learn this specific skill. Similarly, reward quickly and with a mention of your visual and verbal cues.

Don’t get worked up about mishaps.

This is crucial and the most important. When your child has an accident, avoid discussing, persuading, pleading, teasing, or other fussing that may unintentionally reinforce the accident behavior. Instead, give your child a brief reminder that you expect them to use the toilet the next time they need to go. Then, with as little fanfare and discussion as possible, finish the cleanup. Keep your focus on your child when they are using – or attempting to use – the toilet.

 

Potty training ASD children can be a difficult process. However, by planning ahead of time and having the necessary materials on hand, it is possible to complete the task. Structure, consistency, and patience are also important factors in successful potty training. Potty training can be a rewarding and positive experience for both you and your child. It is a significant achievement that brings us one step closer to independence. Remember that patience and positivity lead to successful potty training!

 

The autism journey is not easy, but it is one that we cherish and are well acquainted with. Nurture Pods is here to provide your child with the care they require to assist your family in reaching these major life milestones. If you believe your child could benefit from our autism services, please contact us right away.

 

Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 18 May 2023