I am in the middle of testing my son who just turned 3 in January for Autism. He is 3 years old and still lacks communication skills. He can only say Dada, ewe, no. He uses those words for every thing. The only interest he has in the toilet is putting toilet paper in there. He is still in diapers. I have tried to potty train him several different ways. EVERY time I put him on any toilet he will actually hold it. I have even sat there with him on the toilet for almost 45 minutes before and he will hold it until I put the diaper back on. He doesn't let me know if he has gone potty in his diaper. He does get excited when ever I clap for him when he does some thing right but it just doesn't work on the potty training. I have tried rewards and even tried putting him in regular underwear but it still doesn't make a difference with him. He goes to school to a special ed program for kids who have learning disabilities and even they have had no success in getting him to use the potty.
Can any one else suggest any thing else I and the school have not tried yet? Any tips would be appreciated.
He has not tried pictures yet so thank you all for suggesting them also to Cynthia I will look into a behavior specialist thank you for that.
Do yourself and him a favor and stop trying until he is ready! My son was not potty trained until he was over four years old. They just don't get it but when they do it is easy.
My son was in the programs since he was three and yeah they would have loved for him to be potty trained. Strange really you would think if anyone understood it wasn't going to happen it would be the school that deals with these kids all the time.
I know how you feel and agree with what Jo said. My son is 5 and last summer would poop/pee his pants. He ended up with encopresis from us pushing him to do it while he was trying to control what only he can control.
You've probably already tried this but will suggest since he's non verbal - pictures (and while it may seem gross - as real as possible) - put them in order from walking to the bathroom until washing hands afterwards - the smaller the step the better.
I don't have any ideas but wanted to let you know my son is almost 4 and is still in diapers. He has no delays but the potty. Our doctor said it was a control issue but he doesn't even seem to notice when he goes.
I just hoping to be done before kindergarten!
I have a child thar is autistic as well so I want you to know that I can relate in that aspect. My son is verbal but yet he isn't fully potty trained yet. Are they using the picture symbols with him when it comes to the toilet and looking for cues? I'd like to say it will take time especially when it comes to a child that has a learning disability. Don't stress because he's going to feed off of that stress. How are your reactions to him when he does wets his underwear? The other reason why I ask is because my son was so traumatized by the potty when it came to bowl movements that he refuses. It's a big control issue for him. Have you gotten any help with a behaviorist for in home therapy??
Hi,
Try threedaypottytraining.com. I've done that with all of my children. I believe it addresses children with autism as well, and says the method should work for them also.
Also, I would highly recommend the book "Gut and Psychology Syndrome" by Dr. Natasha McBride for help in overcoming autism.
Good luck!
