Toilet training any child can be daunting. When that child has autism, toilet training can take longer, start later and may have extra challenges. Over the years, we have helped a lot of parents with strategies for toilet training autistic children. In this autism toilet training series, we’ll share what we’ve learned to help you have a smoother journey. Let’s start with some strategies you can use to set your child up to succeed before you take nappies off. Resist the temptation to rush through these – spending a few weeks on these strategies can make the toilet training process easier and less stressful.
Autism toilet training: deciding when to start.
We recommend planning a week where your child is at home with you or another caregiver. The summer holidays can be a great time as not only are children off school, but the warmer weather means your child can comfortably play in a t-shirt and pants. This reduces the number of steps to get them onto a potty or toilet quickly.
Ideally, plan to start working on these tips at least a few weeks before the week of toilet training.
Making the process familiar.
When your child follows you into the bathroom, you can follow the same steps each time and talk through the process (simplifying language if needed). Look for stories or create a booklet that describes the steps of using the toilet. If your child enjoys imaginary play, act out the steps of using the toilet with their characters and toys.
Consider creating a social story, or a visual schedule that talks through the steps of using the toilet. When you use the bathroom, or when acting the steps out with toys, follow the same sequence.
Autism toilet training equipment.
If you’re trying to decide if you should start toilet training with a potty or move straight to an adapted toilet seat you’re not alone. Consider whether your child struggles with changes to established routines. If they do, they might do better starting with the adapted toilet seat so that there is one less change for them. If transitions are harder for them and you don’t have a toilet on every floor, a potty can be more convenient as they won’t have to go so far to get to the toilet.
Look for a toilet seat or toilet seat and step combo that will leave your child’s feet supported. This will help them feel more stable and secure.
Make sure your child can reach the bathroom sink and soap – they may also need a step to do this.
Building confidence on the toilet
Give your child the chance to explore the potty or toilet. Create time in your routine where you spend a little time in the bathroom every day with the ultimate goal of practising sitting* on the potty or toilet each day.
* We recommend teaching both boys and girls to sit on the potty or toilet initially.
- Ideally, have your child sit on the potty/toilet at the same point in your routine or rhythm every day. This will be easier for you to remember and predictable for your autistic child who thrives on routines
- Add something your child will look forward to – perhaps they love bubbles or a certain song. My daughter loves to see videos of her family so we asked the family to send videos of what they’d been doing and we watched these.
- If your child seems nervous to sit, resist the temptation to push them and give them lots of time to get used to the potty/toilet seat.
- Let them enjoy doing something next to it until they become more comfortable
- Aim to gently encourage without adding lots of pressure.
Next: 2) Autism Toilet Training: A step-by-step guide to removing nappies.