How do I teach a 25 year old non-verbal autistic man to toilet properly?

Question

I work with a dually diagnosed individual. He has been wearing diapers and I am trying to teach him to toilet. He is prompted to the bathroom and will pull down his pants and sit on the toilet, but will not "go". After sitting on the toilet for about 20 minutes, he will then pull up his pants and 15 minutes later, will pee or defecate in his pants. How can I help him?

Answer 1

I would try a task analysis, with a behavior plan, the includes positive reinforcement. You are going to have to change a long established pattern. Address it as a pattern and include the last 15 minuets. If you can reduce the last 15 minuets to 14, then 13, then ect your graph will tell you how long it will take.

Answer 2

have you tried turning some water on? or drawing pictures??

Answer 3

good luck.

Answer 4

i started reading a book about a guy with a 20 year old autistic brother and he was really into puzzles, and he could put them together really fast and he paid attention to them, maybe you could relate the toilet and how to use it with something this man really pays attention to and understands

Answer 5

I would first advice you to seek the advice of a continence nurse who will be able to support you in the home as each situation and person is different and consequently has different needs. For now I would go on the P.E.Cs website and view and copy or order the visual symbols (pictures) which show the toileting routine in great detail! Does he know what the toilet is for....you may need to provide him with an appropriate willing model! Make sure that the toilet environment is inviting to him, ie favourite pictures on the wall, music or his favourite book. Make it a nice place to be! Never verbally prompt him ....point to symbols (pictures) as to what he is do do next. The bladder does need to be full and this is where the best advice would be gained from a continence nurse. There is no need for anyone of that age to be in this situation, he has been very let down. Good for you for wanting to tackle this....better late than never.

Answer 6

I am not a professional but do have a special needs son. This is what worked for me:

I let him drink a TON of his favorite drink and then 20 minutes later put him on the toilet when he was about to burst. He them realized what that sensation was...I rewarded him with a treat. Sounds simple but it worked because I think the issue was is that he couldn;t connect the toilet with the purpose with the sensation.

Answer 7

try to do prompt him every 15 or 20 minutes have him sit there for about 5 minutes sitting there for 20 minutes too long. you have to be consistant. I worked with a girl 16 who also is non verbal and has autisim. when she does go in her pants I would ask her where does p**p go where does pee go and she would say toilet. consitancy is the most important

good luck