Potty Training Children with Autism

AmyShymansky — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:37:43 +0000

Potty training your child can be a frustrating and seemingly, never-ending process. And process it is! Understanding each step of this process and how to effectively teach these steps are keys to successful potty training experiences.
Initial steps to consider:
1) Develop an understanding of when your child is developmentally prepared for potty training.
2) Identify patterns in elimination (a.k.a when he/she poops and pees).
3) Develop a consistent toileting schedule based off of the observed patterns.
4) Reinforce! Reinforce! Reinforce compliancy in following the toileting schedule.

Once compliancy in a toileting schedule has been developed, parents can begin to focus (and reinforce!) successful eliminations (a.k.a poop/pee) in the toilet.
Additional training may be necessary in teaching the child directly to independently initiate use of the bathroom without the use of a schedule.

Also, motor skills related to dressing/undressing may need to be specifically taught to some children.

And let’s now forget the handwashing routine! Many times direct instruction on teaching the sequence of hand-washing must be taught very directly. For more resources and help on potty training your child with autism visit www.skillsprout.com

Skill Sprout » Potty Training

Potty Training Children with Autism