Any tips on potty training kids with autism?

Question

My daughter has autism and will be 3 next month. I really don't know how to potty train her since she has limited verbal skills and can not tell me when she needs to go!

Answer 1

Toileting can be difficult especially if there is a disability present, some children take longer than others to make the transition, so don't feel disheartened if she does not want to do it yet, just let it go for a week or two and try again.

Start by keeping a record of the times she is has wet and soiled herself (in her diaper/nappy) over a period of a week or two, with any luck you will have a idea of approximate times, if not a pattern she is going. And then try to have her sit on the potty or toilet around these times.

Make sure has a big drink, every time she has a meal, to encourage the need for elimination, usually children will need to go to the toilet within half an hour after a meal, so this would be a good time to have her sit on the toilet/potty, you will have to do this after breakfast, lunch and tea as part of her routine.

Modeling is another way of encouraging children to use the toilet/potty. The idea is for her to see you actually sitting on the toilet, and see whats in the toilet after you have finished, let her flush the toilet, and then wash hands (all of which are part of toileting). If you reluctant to sit on the toilet in front of her, other siblings are usually more than happy to show others how to wee etc. With boys a ping pong ball with a target or an bulls eye painted on it, and then placed into the loo, the boys love seeing it whiz around, it also teaches them to AIM into the toilet not at it.

Be sure you tell its toilet time, before taking her so she becomes familiar with the word, even when you need to go so she knows its something everyone has to do. As she is not verbal you can teach her the sign for toilet, you may like to draw a picture of the toilet and show her every time your take her to the toilet (you can buy picture cards, but it can be expensive, check links below)

But don't let her sit on the toilet for more than 10 minutes as she will become bored and resist sitting, have a few toys for her play with while sitting (ones that can be washed easily). Saying that NEVER use the toilet or potty as punishment for soiling themselves, as you will find yourself back to square one.

Be mindful of the toilet flushing upsetting her as it can be a bit noisy for some autistic children, also doing pooh can be a bit frightening too, this can be overcome by modeling as above.

If she does do a wee or pooh make a huge fuss, and tell daddy or grandparents how clever she is.

I use a mix of Makaton sign language and compics to communicate with my clients. Boardmarker is really good program but is a bit expensive too, but well worth the money.

Answer 2

Show her a sign to show she has to go. Tell her to raise three fingers or do this or that when she has to go and remind her to go when she looks like she needs it.

Answer 3

Check with your local school district about having her go to school now! In Texas we have that system and it totally benefits the children. They can start as early as three. I know its hard but you will find so much information and help through that avenue. As a teacher for that age I know persistence is the key! Also it will take some time! I don't know the level of her autism but the kiddos usually respond by age 5. If not, it get much harder. Even if you don't want her to go to school now, l would speak to someone from the school to help prepare her for this major transition in her life!

Answer 4

I would talk with a pro on this one.

Answer 5

You should start her on a regular schedule.  control the amount she drinks and start putting her on the potty at regular intervals, so if she does go she can associate the feeling with having to go to the bathroom.

Also, I have worked with kids with autism and they respond well with lights or some type of reward after.

Good luck!!!

Answer 6

I am a parent of a child with Autism and Mental Retardation.

My child is an adult but when my child was being toilet trained as a child, the school had a structured consistent toileting schedule, taught my child to sign the word

"Toilet/Bathroom" from the American Sign Language, and showed my child a picture of a Toilet every time my child went to the Toilet/Bathroom. They also gave my child some Cheerios or MM's as a reward for going to the Toilet/Bathroom.  

As a adult, my child signs the word "Toilet/Bathroom" whenever my child needs to go to the Toilet.

Answer 7

You should post this in the newborn and babies section...there are a couple of moms on there who have children with autism.

Answer 8

develop a communication system for her-whether it be have a PECS picture or a sign or gesture-

assure she is physically ready-shows signs that she realizes she has wet or soiled her diaper-

wait until the warm weather-it is easier when you can keep her outside

sit her on the potty every 15 minutes-give her a reinforcer taht is reserved only for success on the potty--you can even bring the potty outside-

keep her only in underwear (and shirt if you choose)

if you see her starting to go-try to get her on the potty to finish--

once successful-expand time to 1/2 hour-

you can used timed toileting instead of having her request-

once she is able to stay dry for a long period-just take her every 2 hours to prevent accidents