How to Toilet Train a child with Autism

Are you having a difficult time toilet training your child with autism? Well, you came across the right article to learn tips on getting your child toilet trained.

Things You'll Need

• Create data sheets.
• 15 or more pairs of underwear or panties.
• A positive,loving, nonjudmental attitude.
• Dietary intervention.
• perseverance and patience.

Instructions

1. Create data sheets.

   You will need to create columns for the following, the date/ time, used the toilet, accidents, requests, and comments. These sheets must be used daily from the morning until the evening. Send one to school or daycare. Have them send it back home, so you can continue to record data. This will also help you see any progress or problems.

   The child needs to be taken to the bathroom periodically throughout the day, like ever hour for him or her to use the toilet. The time will vary depending on the needs of the child.

2. Teaching the child how to use the bathroom.

   You can use physical prompting, by guiding the child hands with your hands. Teach the child how to pull down his or her undergarment, sit on the toilet, wipe, flush the toilet, and wash hands, until the child is able to do this independently. Avoid using verbal prompting. The child will become dependant on you telling him or her the next step.

3. 

   The child needs to wear undergarments like panties or underwear while at home or in school. You can start this off with a couple of hours or more a day.

   As the child uses the bathroom more, diapers or pull ups should not be worn inside, unless they are sleeping or outside. Put an undergarment over the diaper when the child is out and about. Have the child use the restroom in public (carry some sanitizer to clean the toilet seat)

   Take the diaper off, when you go back inside and keep the undergarment on.

   When the child uses the bathroom more independently, fade the diapers out completely. Carry extra clothes, when you are out, until the child is completely toilet trained.

   The child needs to get use to wearing underwear or panties, even if he or she have accidents. The child needs to feel uncomfortable during accidents in undergarments. However, avoid leaving the child in soil clothing, so they won't get use to it. It is also unsanitary.

4. 

   Do not get upset or angry, because of accidents, have a nonjudgmental attitude and demonstrate no emotions at all. This prevent the child from learning what pushing your buttons. Let the child know that you still love him or her. Show the child that the accident belongs inside the toilet. Praise and be proud of the child when he or she sits on the toilet or uses it.

   Do not force child to use the bathroom or to sit on the toilet. Do not use any form of punishment! This could backfire in trying to toilet train him or her. If you are having problems, make a game out of going to the bathroom. Give a big cheer and praise to the child for making every attempt for going to the bathroom. Make the child feel really good for this accomplishment. Take it step by step with love and patience.

5. Discuss the data sheets weekly or monthly with the people who are toilet training your child. Come up with positive strategies in getting the child toilet trained.

6. 

   You should see if the child has any food intolerance or food allergies. This can really impede on toilet training the child. You can use the elimination diet or have him or her tested.

7. 

   An occupational therapist can be very beneficial by using the weighted belt to give the sensation of having to go to the bathroom. Check out the Wilbarger Protocol to see if it is right for your child and have the occupational therapist show you how to follow the protocol correctly.

   Speech therapist can help teach the child to say or let you know that they have to use the bathroom.

Tips & Warnings

• All people who are involve with your child must follow these steps, in order to be successful.

• Love and accept your child.

• It is important to have patience and perseverance.

• Utilize full prompting(hand over hand),fade to partial prompting(touching the elbow or gesture), fade to modeling( you modeling the desire behavior)and etc.

• Do not use any punishment or inhumane methods, which are cruel and wrong. This will backfire on you and delay development even more in the child.