Delayed Potty Training for Children With Autism

The truth is that potty training is just that, a training process. With children the ability to completely understand potty training will differ in timing with each one. There are sign that will tell you when your child is ready. When you have a child with special needs such as a child with Autism, delaying potty training until your child shows signs of readiness is the best option. You cannot force these things to happen with any child.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toilet or special potty-chair Diapers or Training pants Step stool Treats

1. Look for signs of readiness. It is easier to keep a diaper on your child until the signs occur. Children will often cry or pull at his/her diaper if it is dirty, wanting it off. They may also take the diaper off by themselves. Another sign of readiness is when he/she tells you that they have to go (this shows interest). Cooperation is important and most children with autism must feel comfortable before they will cooperate.
   If they are not willing to cooperate, don't push the issue. Just help them to feel more comfortable.

2. Make potty time as fun as possible. To be able to make potty time fun, your child needs to feel comfortable around the toilet. If they are afraid of it, you can use a special potty chair until they become accustomed to hearing flushing sounds and can be near the real toilet.

3. Demonstrate potty use. The best way to get your child used to a real toilet is to leave the door open and let them see you use it. Be sure to let them see you flush the potty or let them flush it while you are there.

4. Wait patiently. They will eventually give you a sign. Once your child begins to show signs of wanting to use the potty, make sure you reward him. You can do this by giving them a sticker, M&M or something that he likes.
   Slowly get into a routine, you may want to sit them on the potty every hour throughout the day (if this seems to be too much make it every two hours) and put training pants on them at night. This is going to take some work on your part but the more you do it the quicker they will pick it up. Repetition is key.

5. Keep clothes on your child that she can easily remove for using the potty. Most parents will tell you during this process, they let their children run around without pants (just underwear or training pants) in the home to make everything easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a step stool to help your child reach the potty and you can also buy a comfortable cushion to sit on top of the real toilet seat. Always be prepared for accidents. Children without autism will still have accidents here or there, even after being fully trained.
• Avoid getting angry and frustrated. All children will learn in their own time. Their time is never your time, so be patient and always loving.