Autism - Potty Training

It does take longer. I found rewards work the best and make a game of it. Peeing on cherios! (and dunk them) maybe gross but it worked for my son and pooping in his pants (way old to be doing that) but go to the bathroom same time every night or a.m. get on a schedule and reward. Like Let grad from a grab bag - cheap things like from the dollar Tree. example and use praise and lots of hugs and kisses!

J.,

I just came across your post and wondered if you have had any luck yet?

Jen

First of all, you should NOT feel like a failure. I'm sure you're a wonderful mother. The diapers issue, think of it as a minor setback that you'll overcome once you know exactly how to tackle it. I don't have any advice to give you, not being very familiar with autism myself, but I'm sure there are books or other sources out there to guide you and help you with techniques. Have you tried researching techniques on the internet? Good luck!

If your child is in Plano ISD I wouldn't rely to much on them to help. My daughter is 4 and has autism. We are struggling with the same problem. I was told at a recent meeting with the Asst. Special Education Director that it wasn't the schools responsiblity to teach potty training. Only to provide an adequate education.

Hi J.,
Darla gave you some great advice/sources. I'd also ask the school district. They should be trying to help him with this, for socialization purposes.

My son has Asperger's, which isn't the same but has it's own challenges. I'm looking for an Applied Behavior Analysis therapist. When I find one, I'd be happy to let you know. I'm hoping that they can help with specific behavior issues we have. Maybe this kind of therapy could help you too.

If I hear of anything helpful, I'll email you.

Hi J., You are not a failure in this area. I was a teacher at a special needs school and many of the children were still in diapers. It's not an easy thing to do but check out those websites and see if they have any good advice. After working at a school I can say that potty training is something you will have to do, not the school. As a teacher it's hard enough teaching kids (with or without disabilities) it would be impossible to teach and try to potty train at the same time. I have a few cousins who are autistic so I know how hard it is. Keep up the good work and don't get down on yourself. He'll get there...just don't give up trying to teach him

Wow-- it is good to know that I am not the only one out there! My son is six and still goes number two in his pants. He is slowly getting there, but this really helps knowing that I am not the only one. I was going through a divorce when I tried potty training my son (at age 3) and I just thought it was a passing phase. Thanks again for letting me know I am not the only one!

Gaile Wayman of the Wayman School does potty training seminars for autism. She would be the first person I would contact. I can't tell you how many people I know who have had success with her methods.

http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/
http://www.realcities.com/html/dfw/KellerCitizen.html

Toilet Training Children with Autism or other Developmental Disabilities

Sponsored by Wayman Learning Center

Presented by Gail Wayman , M.Ed., Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Date/time: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 per person; $15 per couple. Seating is limited – please register ahead of time. Sorry no childcare provided.

Location: Wayman Learning Center , 5170 Village Creek Dr. #200 , Plano , TX 75093 . Map to location at http://www.waymanlearningcenter.com.
To register, please complete the registration form found online at http://www.waymanlearningcenter.com/Wayman%20Learning%20C.... If you have questions, please contact ____@____.com purpose of this workshop is to present parents and professionals with a comprehensive behaviorally based program for toilet training children with autism or other developmental disabilities who might not or have not responded to traditional toilet training intervention. A handout will be included. This program can be implemented for children of all ages and includes the following: Teaching the child to independently initiate toileting; Positive reinforcement for staying dry, eliminating in the toilet and initiating the toileting process; Consequences for wetting or soiling clothing. This program has been successful with children who are non-verbal and/or have cognitive deficits.

Reducing Problem Behaviors Maintained by Escape/Avoidance of Routine Activities Associated With Aversive Stimuli
Sponsored by Wayman Learning Center
Presented by Gail Wayman , M.Ed., Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)