Toilet training for children with autism requires consistency and patience. With right strategies, it can be successfully achieved! We’ve compiled 10 top tips to help guide you through the process:
How will I know when my child is ready to begin toilet training?
- Signs of readiness: Look for signs such as staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the bathroom, and discomfort with dirty diapers.
- Individual timing: Every child is different, so it's important to be patient and not rush the process. When your child is ready, with the right supports, toilet training is possible.
What routines can help children with autism toilet train?
- Consistent schedule: Take your child to the toilet at regular intervals, such as after meals, before bedtime, and every 2-3 hours. Use timers set to specific intervals for a reminder to use the bathroom.
- Visual guides: Use visual aids like simple toilet training picture guides to outline the steps involved in using the toilet. Your child will feel more comfortable knowing what comes next and being prepared for their next step in the routine.
What visual supports can help my child understand the fundamentals of toilet training?
- Picture cards: Use cards showing each step of the toilet process (e.g., pulling down clothing, sitting on the toilet, wiping, flushing, washing hands).
- Social stories: Create a simple story with pictures and words that explain the process of using the toilet in a way your child can understand.
- Work with your BCBA and therapy team to develop these visual supports and make them specific to your home or the child’s school or daycare environment.
What methods of positive reinforcement should be used in toilet training?
- Rewards: Offer praise, stickers, or small rewards for successfully using the toilet. ABA therapy is based on positive reinforcement, and reinforcing the desired behavior or outcome will increase the success.
- Encouragement: Celebrate small successes to build confidence and motivation. Make it fun for your child and praise all of the wins, big and small.
How can you take sensory needs into account when practicing toilet training?
- Comfort: Ensure the bathroom environment is comfortable and not overwhelming. This might include using a soft toilet seat, a smaller potty chair or something more accessible to them, ensuring proper lighting, and reducing noise.
- Sensory-friendly tools: If your child is sensitive to certain sensations, consider using tools like flushable wipes instead of toilet paper.
Recommended examples of behavior modeling and demonstration we recommend for toilet training:
- Demonstrate: Show your child how to use the toilet by modeling the behavior yourself or with the help of a sibling.
- Videos: Use instructional videos designed for children with autism to visually demonstrate the process.
- Books: There are several children's books about potty training and illustrating the toileting routine, read these with your child to show them what it looks like, and prepare them.
How can I best support my child's unique communication needs while practicing toilet training?
- Non-verbal cues: Pay attention to your child’s non-verbal signals indicating they need to use the toilet. If they are squirming around, making faces, squatting, or holding themselves that might be your sign they have to use the bathroom.
- Sign language or AAC: If your child uses alternative communication methods, ensure they know how to communicate the need to go to the bathroom. Ensure that there are the appropriate icons set up on an AAC device or communication app with the help of your Speech Language Pathologist so that they can communicate when they need to use the restroom.
What do I need to keep in mind re: accidents?
- Accidents: Respond calmly to accidents. Avoid punishment and instead reinforce the desired behavior.
- Regression: Be prepared for setbacks and regression, especially during times of change or stress. Maintain consistency and support.
How can professional support, like a Powerback BCBA, help with toilet training?
- Consultation: Work with your Board Certified Behavior Analyst, occupational therapists, or other professionals experienced in toilet training children with autism. They can help with designing programs and schedules to support toilet training.
- Individualized plan: Develop a toilet training plan tailored to your child's specific needs and abilities. If this is a goal of high priority for you and your child, ensure the goals are written into your treatment plan, and make it a regular topic of discussion in your parent training and family guidance sessions.
Most importantly: stay consistent, keep calm
- Consistency: Stick to the routine and strategies even if progress seems slow.
- Patience: Understand that toilet training can take time, and be patient with your child and yourself.
By using these strategies and maintaining a supportive and patient approach, you can help your child with autism achieve toilet training success. At Powerback Pediatrics, we frequently work on toilet training as a goal in ABA therapy and tailor or plan and approach to meet the needs of your child. Reach out today to learn more about therapy with Powerback and how we can support you!
