Potty Training

The Difficulty

Potty training is a hard skill to master for neurotypical children. If your kiddo is on the spectrum, the increased challenges of interoception and sensory needs can make it feel impossible. The good news is-it IS possible! With the right tools, perspective and consistency, you CAN do this!

The Process:

How do you know your child is ready?

When your kiddo begins to notice when they have voided (such as hiding it), they are staying dry for longer durations, and can sit for up to 10 minutes on the toilet, they are likely ready to begin potty training.

What are the prefacing steps?

Start by increasing their water intake and tracking how frequently their diaper is wet (check every 15 min and record). Start reading social stories, potty songs or books about going to the bathroom and pick a contingency/reinforcer that is only used after they go potty.

How do I start the actual potty training?

Pick a schedule slightly less than the intervals of when they are voiding (if they are wet every hour, go every 45 min). During this time, have the kiddo sit on the potty for 10 minutes with toys, books, etc. If they void, praise them and give them the specific reinforcer mentioned earlier. If they don't, still praise them for sitting on the potty, and try again 5-10 mins later.

How do I get them to ask to go to the bathroom?

Model bathroom language. If the child uses pictures to communicate, point to the potty visual and say "we are going to the potty" and have them hand you the icon prior to going to the bathroom. When the child voids, model saying "you are going potty!" When the child requests to go to the bathroom, always honor it, even if it's after a demand is placed. After they have built independence with toileting, you can start requiring them to complete a demand first.

How do I incorporate the other bathroom skills?

Create a routine around the bathroom including undressing, dressing and washing hands.

Assist them with least to most prompting, aiding them in starting the process but teaching independence with them finishing

Additional Tips

Start small: Start by just training them to sit on the potty for a short time, even if they don't use it. Bring in their favorite toys or books to encourage them slowly to sit longer and longer.
Lots of Fluids: Encourage and prioritize drinking lots of fluids. This will increase their need to use the bathroom and gives you a chance for more practice.
Use Incidents for Learning: Quickly prompt to the toilet at the start of an incident.
Use Underwear: Using underwear when potty training can help them recognize the feelingof voiding in their clothes and will likely encourage them to use the potty.

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