How to Toilet Train a Child With Sensory Issues
Toilet training is a trying time for most parents. Throw sensory issues into the equation and the process can get exponentially more difficult. A child with sensory issues may not recognize the feeling of being wet or dirty, or even the need to go. Some kids actually enjoy the feeling of a wet or soiled diaper. In rare cases, elimination may be painful or scary for a child, to the point that they refuse to go. If this is the case you should consult your pediatrician. Otherwise, dig in your heels and get ready to get your special child out of diapers and on the potty.
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Instructions
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Take your child's developmental age into account. While children without sensory issues are often ready to toilet train between one and a half and three years of age, children with sensory issues may be on a different time line. Their ability to regulate bodily functions and recognize the need to eliminate may not be developed as soon as it is in "typical" children.
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Wait until your child is ready. Don't begin the toilet training process until your child shows that he's ready. Signs include staying dry for at least two hours at a time, recognizing the need to eliminate, disliking the feel of wet or soiled diapers, eliminating at fairly regular times, being able to raise and lower his own pants or underwear, asking to be changed, the ability to follow simple directions, and showing interest in sitting on the toilet. Your child may not show all of these signs, and a child with sensory issues may not recognize the need to go or dislike being soiled, so take into account the other signs of readiness when deciding when to toilet train.
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Take your child shopping for a training potty of her own. A child who enjoys auditory stimulation may like a potty that plays music when she uses it; one who is fearful of new things may do better with a portable seat that sits on the household toilet. These seats look like smaller versions of a full-sized toilet seat and may help your child feel more comfortable; rather than using something new, she's able to go on the same toilet she already sees every day.
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Show him the benefits of the potty. If your child dislikes the feeling of being soiled, get him on the potty as soon as he dirties his diaper. Talk to him about how going in the potty will keep him clean and dry.
If she doesn't mind feeling soiled or wet, or can't tell when she needs to go, have her use the potty at regular intervals. Have her sit on it shortly after having a drink, and every couple hours though the day. Put her on first thing in the morning, before she has a chance to urinate in her diaper.
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Give them fun things. Don't make toilet training a chore. Have a few books and small toys nearby so your child can play while he sits on his new potty. If he's sitting there for a few minutes, looking at a book or playing, something will eventually happen. Making a big deal out of the act of using the bathroom can certainly be counterproductive.
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Keep your child's particular sensory issue in mind. If your child has an aversion to loud noise, wait to flush until she's out of the room.
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Provide special wipes, toilet tissue and soap for washing his hands. Having his own things to use may make him more inclined to use the toilet.
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Talk about what it means and feels like to use the toilet. If you're comfortable with it, allow your child to see you going, and talk to her during the process. If not, let her know that you do use the potty, that everyone does, and that it's a natural thing.
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Give your child plenty of fiber-rich foods like fruit and oatmeal. This will help reduce the possibility of constipation, which can lead to uncomfortable or painful bowel movements and setbacks in toilet training.
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Give your child a doll that pees. Some dolls even poop and come with their own little potties. Let the doll use the bathroom first, or at the same time as your child. Let him train his doll as you help him learn to use the toilet.
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Never, ever insult, yell at or degrade your child for toilet training setbacks or mistakes. It's a lengthy process for most children, and your child truly can't help what her body does or doesn't feel. Being anything but positive through the experience can cause toilet training to take even longer.
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Reward your child. Once toilet training is well under way and your child is making progress, let him pick out some new underwear and wear them around the house. Boys and girls underwear fits pretty much the same, so if your little one wants a pair marketed to the opposite sex, don't worry. The important thing is that he learns to use the bathroom when he needs to, and for a child with sensory issues, this is a great achievement.
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Tips & Warnings
If your child seems constipated or has pain during bowel movements, call his doctor.
Never punish or shame a child for bathroom accidents. They are not his fault, and harsh punishments for something beyond his control can cause psychological damage.
