Potty Training Autistic Children

What is Autism?

According to the Autism Society of America, "Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills."

"Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. One should keep in mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs."

Toilet Training Problems

The issues and problems surrounding potty training autistic children may be similar to that of other typical potty training problems. In most cases, however, these issues are somewhat magnified in children who suffer from autism. The two most prominent issues are fear and sensitivity, which in some respects go hand-in-hand.

Fear

Just the sound of a flushing commode can send tremors of fear into an autistic child. While there isn't anything uncommon about a small child becoming afraid of a noisy toilet, an autistic child's reactions can differ greatly. Many autistic children have difficulty handling loud or unusual sounds, so the fact that the toilet scares them isn't surprising.

Sensitivity

It's no secret that children who have been diagnosed with autism often exhibit profound sensitivity to sounds, sights, and even textures. The rushing and whirling of the water as it flows from the commode into the pipes can be confusing and may even hurt a child's sensitive ears. The sensation of urine or feces as it drops from the body into the commode can also trigger panic in an autistic child as well.

Other Problems

Sensory processing problems may also prevent an autistic child from recognizing the cues or feelings that signal the need to use the potty. In a calm environment, the child may not have much difficulty. During unusual or different situations away from the common schedule of the day, however, an autistic child may forget how to recognize the need to go to the bathroom.

Potty Training Autistic Children

What is the most successful method for potty training autistic children? As with any child, one size certainly doesn't fit all. Depending upon the severity of the child's disability, the age, and his or her environment, success may occur in as little as a few weeks. It's also not uncommon for the process to take several months or more.

Before you give up hope, however, check out the following tips. While they may not all be applicable to your situation, you may discover a method that will work for you and your child.

• Develop a schedule. All children thrive on schedules and routines, and this is definitely true for autistic children. It's very important to begin the potty training with a schedule and try to stick to that schedule as much as possible. Before you begin, try to determine the times of day that your child wets or soils his or her diaper. Some diapers have color changing moisture strips, which will help you monitor your child's toilet habits. Plan on taking your child to the potty twice as often as he or she probably needs to go, hoping for eventual success.
• Create a signal. Come up with a signal that your child will recognize and learn to associate with using the potty. Use that signal right before you take him or her to the potty. The signal can be a word, key phrase, or some type of sign language.
• Keep it fun. If your child is deathly afraid of the commode, move a portable potty into a more neutral and peaceful room. Place fun books beside the potty. Set up a small CD player, if your child responds well to music. Choose peaceful songs to play, including classical pieces.
• Don't force the issue. You want your child to form positive associations with the potty. You can try again in 20 or 30 minutes if your child won't initially sit down.
• Don't stay too long. Your child's attention span won't allow him or her to handle sitting on the commode for more than five or six minutes.
• Use lavish praise. If your child manages to use the potty, praise him or her effusively! Consider giving a reward, such as a piece of candy or a small toy.
• Consider your timing. You might want to consider giving your child something to drink about 20 minutes before you plan on taking him or her to the potty.
• Consult the experts. If you still have questions about potty training autistic children, contact your pediatrician, talk to other parents of autistic children, and seek out support groups in your area.

More Information

For more information regarding potty training autistic children, check out the following Web sites:

• Behavior Advisor
• Dr. Spock
• BBB Autism
• National Autistic Society