Helping Children With Autism For Toilet Training

Many parents are uncertain when to start toilet training or potty training. Handling these skills can be big deal for kids and their parents. The feeling of accomplishment when they actually enter this important aspect of taking care of themselves can make enormous difference in their level of self-esteem.

Teaching independent toilet training can improve personal satisfaction for children with Autism. Obviously, it can take a little longer for children with Autism to learn these skills as compared to others. Toilet training works best when guardians of children with Autism follow directions from their pediatrician. Most children begin to show these signs when they are 18-24 months old, yet some children may not be ready until then. Here are some ideas for toilet training for children with Autism:

Planning Phase:

In this initial stage, it is necessary to gather all essential materials needed for positive training.

• Potty seat with a stool
• Hourglass
• Lots of wet wipes and tissues
• Create a reinforcement bin and fill it with the child’s favourite candy, treats, toys, stickers
• Get a basket and fill it with fun activities that the child will like, such as toys, books, bubbles and many more. These activities will keep them engage while sitting in the toilet.
• Make posters of social story on ways to use toilet
• Create a step-by-step visual sequence of the toilet routine with actual pictures.

Communicate More:

Use clear and simple communication way. Use simple pictures or visual prompts such as the visual support. Before the child enters the bathroom, prompt he/she to communicate that he/she needs to use the bathroom. An image schedule might be useful instrument to remind him/her of what are the task is needed to complete the toilet routine.

Make Them Independent:

• Once children with autism are comfortable in toilet, encourage him/her to complete the toilet routine by prompting the kid to wipe, flush the toilet, and pull up the jeans independently.
• Show the child the visual sequence of the potty routine and slowly fade your physical and verbal prompts.
• Rather than utilizing the supporting container for peeing and pooping make them practise to use the whole restroom independently.
• Try to stay calm and positive. Children with Autism can have difficulty understanding new situations and other people’s emotional responses.

Teach Them To Be Hygienic:

  Once the children are prepared with potty training finish the potty daily schedule by showing them how to clean up after they utilize the washroom. Try not to show potty preparation and hand washing simultaneously. This will be overpowering for children with Autism and for their parents. Following are the steps for the same:

• Turn on the water tap
• Put cleanser on hands
• Rub your both hand with the cleanser
• Wash it off by water
• Close the water tap
• Dry your hands

Potty training for children with autism can be very challenging. However, this would be easy if it started in early stage with all material access. Moreover, Potty preparation can be a positive and compensating experience for both parent and kid and it is one step closer to independence. Remember that patience and positivity leads to potty training success!