Toilet Training part two

Toilet Training part two

Physical Environment

When beginning the toilet training of a child with autism,
you want to help the child learn that this set of behaviors
(elimination) is associated with a particular place (the toilet).

Moving all changing, cleaning, and toileting-related dressing
to this setting helps the child realize the purpose of this room.

A second goal for creating clear physical structure to assist
in toilet training is to create an environment that is secure
and not over-stimulating. The child will be calmer and more
responsive with good physical support for his body.

Think about adding foot support, side rails, or other physical
supports.

Think also about the plumbing noises and echoes of many
bathrooms.

Many children appreciate soft music playing or the addition o
sound-absorbent materials.

Using Visual Supports

For the autistic child, it may be helpful to provide pictures
to demonstrate the sequence of events that occur surrounding
toilet training.

At the most basic level, a transition object may be used to let
the child know that the toilet routine is beginning.

An object that is associated with toileting may be given to the
child to serve as the transition object that takes the child to
the correct location.

Once the transition to the toilet area has been made,
it is important to continue to visually support each step of the
toileting routine.

We need to let the child know each step he is to accomplish,
when the sequence will be finished, and what will happen when
the sequence is finished.

Again, using an object sequence, a picture sequence, or a
written list are all ways to communicate this information to
the child.

Trouble Shooting

Once you have begun the process, you may notice areas that are
more challenging.

Below are some common solutions:

If you child resists sitting on the toilet:

• allow them to sit on the toilet without removing clothes

• allow to sit with toilet covered (cardboard under the
seat, gradually cutting larger hole, or towel under the seat,
gradually removed)

• use potty seat on the floor rather than up high

• take turns sitting, or use doll for model

• sit together

• add physical support

• help him understand how long to sit (sing potty song,
length of 1 song on tape player, set timer 1 minute, etc.)

• as he gradually begins to tolerate sitting, provide with
entertainment

If your child is afraid of flushing:

• don't flush until there is something to flush

• start flush with child away from toilet

• give advance warning of flush

• allow him to flush

Only want to flush
• physically cover toilet handle to remove from sight

• give something else to hold and keep them busy

• use visual sequence to show when to flush
(after replacing clothing, for example)

• when time to flush, give child a sticker that matches to
a sticker on toilet handle

Plays in the water

• give him a toy as distraction

• use a padded lap desk while seated

• cover the seat until ready to use

• put a visual cue of where to stand

Plays with toilet paper

• remove it

• roll out amount ahead of time

• give visual cue for how much

Resists being cleaned

• try different materials (wet wipes, cloth, sponge)

• consider temperature of above material

• take turns with doll

Bad aim
• supply a "target" in the water, such as a
Cheerio
• larger target as toilet insert (contact papered or
laminated cardboard with target drawn on it), gradually
moved down
• add food coloring in the water to draw attention

This is just one of the many tricks, tips and techniques
that you can use to cope with your Autistic child’s
behaviors that feature in my new book “The Parenting
Autism Resource Guide”.

The Parenting Autism Resource Guide: A Complete Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed With Autism.