Potty training is a significant milestone in any child’s life, and for parents of autistic children, it can present a unique set of challenges. However, with patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you can successfully guide your child through this process. Here are some tips to help you potty train your autistic child.
Determine If Your Autistic Child Is Ready
Before starting the potty training process, it’s crucial to assess if your child is ready. Look for signs such as staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the bathroom, or communicating the need to go.
Your child will also provide you with non-verbal queues. Here are a few ways they may be communicating with you that they are ready to begin potty training.
They are changing their pull-ups when they have an accident. This shows that they don’t like the feeling of being wet or having poop on them.
When they get out of the shower the first thing they do is go to a pull-up. This means your autistic child understands how to pull their pants up and down. They also understand when a habit is formed and what they must do next. For example, they know they just got out of the shower they are dry they need to put on clothes so they are initiating it themselves.
Your child is having a meltdown or tantrum when they have an accident on themselves. This is an extremely good sign. Your autistic child is telling you I’m ready to be potty trained I don’t like how this feels.
Your autistic child is showing interest in using the bathroom. This may look like your child sitting on the toilet, looking at you sitting on the toilet, or your child flushing the toilet.
Understanding your child’s readiness is the first step in ensuring a smooth transition.
Give Praise for Using the Potty
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in potty training. When your child successfully uses the potty, shower them with praise. Acknowledge their efforts and let them know how proud you are.
This encouragement can boost their confidence and motivate them to continue using the toilet.
This also makes potty training look like fun! Your child needs confidence in this transition.
Providing praise can look like you jumping with joy, saying to your child “Good job you used the potty”, giving them a high five, or smiling at them after they use the potty.
Positive Reinforcements
In addition to praise, consider offering positive reinforcements that are only available when your child uses the potty. This could be a favorite snack, a sticker, or a few minutes of playtime. The key is to make the reward something special that your child will look forward to
It must be something that your child does not receive on the regular basis. How to associate potty with whatever you’re giving them. This allows them to pay more attention to their body and to understand that after they go to the restroom they are going to receive this positive reinforcement.
For example, you may never give your child chocolate. However, after they use the potty, this is going to be a special circumstance. My stepson was never allowed chocolate. When he would use the restroom I would give him exactly one piece of chocolate-covered raisin. He started looking forward to those chocolate-covered raisins so he would go to the bathroom himself. I saw this change in him within three days. If you do not provide positive reinforcement your child is not going to use the potty.
Your child will always look at what will I get in return for doing a task.
Use a Timer
Introducing a timer can help your child understand when it’s time to go to the restroom. Set the timer for regular intervals and explain to your child that when the alarm goes off, it’s time to try using the potty. This routine can help establish a habit and reduce accidents
Here are a few tips for when your child hears here’s a sound they know to use the potty. When an alarm goes off on your phone you can say “potty time potty time” (Excited each time), you can also sign with your hand’s bathroom, this will also allow your child if they are nonverbal to tell you the “bathroom”, and you can download a sound on your phone that says Potty Time.
Find out what works best for your child and what will get them excited to get them moving! Remember it’s through trial and error!
Our AuStars app has a specific section that is designated only for potty training. We understand the importance of potty training your autistic child and how difficult it can be for parents. We wanted to find a way for you to keep track of when your child is using the bathroom to make it easier for you to let the co-parent know or teachers and therapist.
Track Bathroom Usage
Keep a log of when your child uses the bathroom. This can help you identify patterns and predict when they might need to go. By understanding their schedule, you can prompt them to use the potty at the right times, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Avoid Punishment
Accidents are a natural part of potty training, and it’s important to handle them with understanding. Never punish your child for having an accident. Instead, reassure them that it’s okay and encourage them to try again. Maintaining a positive and supportive environment is essential for their progress.
When they do have an accident let them know what they just did. Let them know potty or wet. Then bring them to the bathroom and say this is potty.
When your child is learning something new and you’re making it a stressful situation they can go into a fighter flight state and not want to learn the new task at hand. I have seen parents yell and scold their children because they were having accidents. This did not help at all. It prolonged the process of potty training and made the child not want to learn.
Remove Pull-Ups
If you’ve been using pull-ups, consider transitioning out of them after the third month of training. While pull-ups can be helpful initially, they can also create confusion for your child. Gradually moving to underwear can reinforce the concept of using the toilet and help them become more independent.
Potty training an autistic child requires patience, consistency, and a tailored approach. By focusing on readiness, providing positive reinforcement, and maintaining a structured routine, you can help your child achieve this important developmental milestone. Remember, every child is different, so be flexible and adjust strategies as needed to meet your child’s unique needs.
The AuStars App is Your Key to Organized Parenting
If you’re a parent of a child with autism, the AuStars app is here to support you. With its user-friendly design, built-in timers, and automatic calendar, the app is tailored to meet the needs of families managing the complexities of autism. Stay organized, reduce stress, and gain valuable insights into your child’s behavior with the AuStars app. Sign Up to be on the waiting list to Download the AuStars app and take the first step towards a more organized and stress-free parenting experience.
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