Potty training is a significant milestone for any child, but for parents of children on the autism spectrum, this process can come with unique challenges. Understanding your child’s needs and using specific strategies can make this journey smoother. Here are a few tips to know before you begin potty training! (GOOD LUCK!)
Understanding Readiness Signs
Before you can begin potty training your child, you must first determine if they are ready.
- Are they running to the bathroom when they poop on themselves?
- Are they trying to change their clothes after they had an accident?
- Are they touching their private area after they pee’d?
- Are they taking off their clothes and then using a bathroom in an area they should not?
- Are they following you to the bathroom and looking at you use the toilet and seem confused?
- Are they crying or yelling Right before they use the bathroom or after on themselves?
- After taking a showing will put pull ups on then clothes
These are all great signs! They are ready! Your child is understanding what is happening in their body, does not like using the bathroom on themselves or curious. (A curious child is always great, that means they are open to new things!)
Your child just needs help on what steps to take.
Start As Soon As They Are Ready And Do Not Stop!
It is very important that you begin the process as soon as your child is ready! The longer you wait the longer/harder time you are going to have in breaking a habit. (Such as using pull ups or diapers on the regular).
If your ABA therapist also tells you that your child is ready and they begin the process in the program, it is very imperative that you begin the process at home as well. You have to work together!
Believe it or not children know when and where they can get away with certain things. If they are only being potty trained in school and not at home, sometimes, they will not make an attempt at home. you have to initiate it.
Try to work with their child ABA therapist (if you have one) to see what schedule they are using so you could follow it at home when they are not in therapy. Creating a routine is very helpful. This make sure your child has no surprises and lowers the risks of a meltdown or tantrum.
Once you begin the potty training process it is very important that you stick to it! If you stop because It’s getting a bit difficult for you, you will see your child descend in the progress. Then when you start back up, it will be harder to implement. I see this happen frequently.
Teaching Your Child How To Use Pull Ups
It’s time to teach your child how to use pull-ups. Bring them to the toilet and have them pull their pull ups up and down. Let them know this is the area where they will do that! This allows them to learn the proper location and the proper way. Sometimes you may have to demonstrate with your child.
I don’t recommend using a potty training toilet I recommend using your regular toilet. Why? Because this is a toilet they will see everywhere! Children on the spectrum tend to see things differently. If the toilet looks different, there is a chance they won’t use it.
Do Not Discipline When They Have An Accident
This is a new experience for your child. We do not want to stress them out. If they are disciplined when having an accident, this will prevent them from learning or want to learn. They can go into a fight or flight state and it can increase chances of a tantrum or meltdown. You have to make the experience fun!
It is important to make them aware that they made an accident. For example, pee’d on themselves, make them touch it and say “wet” and point to the toilet and say “bathroom” (also sign if your child is non-verbal.) This allows them to know the sign for bathroom and they can tell you when they have to go.
Praise
Every time your child uses the bathroom make a huge deal about it! Jump with Joy, smile, tell them “good job using the bathroom” give them a high five.
These are all things you want to do with your child. It will help them have a great experience with something new.
Want to know why hi-fives are important? READ BELOW!
Reward System
Rewards are your best friend! Anything new you want your child to do, you need to give them a reward. When my stepson would use the restroom, he would get one chocolate covered raisin.
It must be something you don’t let them have regularly or even at all. In our son’s case, that was chocolate covered raisins (just 1) ! Find something that you know you can maintain during this process.
Studies have found that getting a high-five can make your brain release a special chemical called oxytocin. This chemical helps you feel happy, connected with others, and less stressed. This plays a role in social bonding and trust!
Bye Bye Pull Ups
It is time to remove the pull-ups completely! Sometimes your child may be too comfortable knowing they have a layer of protection.
Remove the pull-ups. Pull-ups help your child feel dry and can remove the urgency your child needs to run to the bathroom. (For example, you know your car needs gas but you have enough to make it home. You don’t see the urgency to stop, so you go straight home.)
If you are worried about having to do a large amount of laundry due to accidents, place to pull up OVER the underwear. This allows them to still feel wet however the clothes will not be damaged.
Keeping your child in pull-ups can have lots of drawbacks. They need to feel uncomfortable for them to WANT the change they NEED.
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