Toileting and ASD: Autism and Bathroom Issues in Kids

For parents, whose children have autism spectrum disorder, bathroom issues can be a common concern. Many autistic children have difficulty with toilet training and may also experience incontinence, constipation, or other issues related to urine and bowel movements. In some cases, sensory processing issues can make it difficult for an autistic child to use the toilet properly.

Though the process of developing a toilet routine in an autistic child can take longer, it is possible with the help of specific tools and methods. Here, parents can take help from an Occupational Therapist to find the resources needed for their child for toilet and potty training.

What is Toilet Training?

Toilet training, or potty training, is the process of teaching a child how to use the toilet for urination and defecation. The process usually begins when a child is around 18 months old but can start as early as six months old. However, it’s important to mention here that no one expects a 6-month-old to be toilet training! For children with ASD, the process may take longer than 18 months..

There are three main methods of toilet training:

• The child is taught to use the toilet by a parent or caregiver.
• The child is taught to use the toilet through a reinforcement system, such as a reward system.
• The child is given time to learn how to use the toilet on their own without any intervention.

Importance of Toilet Training

Toilet training is an important process for every child as it helps them become more independent and provides them with a sense of responsibility. For children with ASD, toilet training can also help improve social skills and communication.

Toilet or potty training can help your kid in the following ways:

• Reduce embarrassing accidents
• Gain a sense of independence
• Foster a sense of responsibility
• Help with social skills and communication
• Prevent health problems related to improper bathroom habits

Signs of Delayed Potty Training in ASD Children

There are a few signs that parents can look for which may indicate that their child is not ready for toilet training. These include:

• Lack of interest in the toilet or potty
• Unwillingness to sit on the potty or toilet seat
• Resistance to having clothes or diapers removed
• Refusal to cooperate with toilet training

Autism and Toilet Training

Toilet training a child with autism spectrum disorder can be a challenge for parents as they may have to deal with various issues such as potty accidents, constipation, and sensory processing disorders.

Potty accidents are common in children with ASD as they may have difficulty controlling their bladder or bowel movements. In some cases, children with ASD may also experience constipation due to their diet or lack of fluid intake.

Sensory processing disorders can make it difficult for an autistic child to use the toilet properly. They may be sensitive to the sound of flushing, the smell of urine, or the feel of a wet diaper. In some cases, children with ASD may also have a phobia of toilets.

Toilet training an autistic child can be a challenge but it is possible with the help of specific tools and methods. To make your child toilet trained, you can take help from an Occupational Therapist for the right therapies and resources.

What are Some Common ASD Toilet Training Issues?

There are a number of ASD toilet training issues that can make the process more difficult. Some common ASD toilet training and potty training issues include:

Sensory Processing Issues

Many autistic children have sensory processing issues that prohibit them to get toilet trained. Sensory processing issues can make it difficult for a child with autism spectrum to use the toilet properly. They may be sensitive to the sound of flushing, the smell of urine, or the feel of a wet diaper. In some cases, children with ASD may also have a phobia of toilets.

Anxiety and Phobias

Some autistic children may also have anxiety or phobias related to toilets. In some cases, children with ASD may be afraid of the toilet itself or they may be afraid of using public restrooms. Many kids with autism spectrum disorders are afraid of using toilet seats. Toilet seat phobia can make it difficult to get your child toilet or potty trained.

Constipation

Constipation is another common ASD toilet training issue. Many autistic children experience constipation due to their diet or lack of fluid intake. In some cases, children with ASD may also have difficulty passing stool due to anxiety or stress.

Dietary Issues

There are many dietary issues that can cause ASD potty training problems. Many autistic children are picky eaters and they may not get enough fibre in their diet. This can lead to constipation and other ASD toilet training issues.

Lack of Fluid Intake

Many autistic children do not drink enough fluids during the day. This can lead to dehydration and constipation. In some cases, children with ASD may also have difficulty urinating due to a lack of fluid intake.

Can a Child with Autism be Potty Trained?

It is possible to potty train a child with ASD. However, it may take longer than usual and you may need to use different methods and tools. Some helpful tips for ASD potty training include:

Start with the Basics

Before beginning toilet training, it is important to familiarize your child with the process. This can be done by reading books about using the toilet or potty or by watching videos together.

Make a Plan

Once you have introduced your child to the concept of using the toilet, it is important to make a plan. This should include when and where they will use the toilet, what they will wear, and what type of reinforcement will be used.

Find the Right Method

There is no one single method that will work for all children with ASD. You may need to try different methods to find the one that works best for your child.

Try Different Tools

There are many ASD potty training tools available that can help make the process easier. You can try different products to see which ones work best for your child. There are different tools available in the market that can help your little one deal with the phobia related to toilet seat.

Use a Reward System

Many children with ASD respond well to positive reinforcement. You can use a reward system to encourage your child to use the toilet. You can give your child a sticker or a treat every time they use the toilet successfully.

Visual Supports

Visual supports can be very helpful for ASD potty training. You can use a visual schedule to help your child understand when it is time to use the toilet. Use Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to help your child understand toilet-related vocabulary. You can also use ASD specific potty training apps to help your child with the process.

Social Stories

Just like visual supports, social stories can also be very helpful for ASD potty training. You can use social stories to teach your child about the process of using the toilet. Social stories can help your child understand what they need to do and why they need to do it.

Be Patient

It is important to be patient when ASD potty training your child. Many children with ASD take longer to get toilet trained. Do not get frustrated and do not force your child to use the toilet if they are not ready.

Get Help from a Professional

If you are having difficulty with ASD toilet training your child, you can get help from a professional. There are many therapists and specialists who can help you with ASD potty training. An occupational therapist can help you find the right ASD toilet training method and tools. They can analyze your child’s behaviour and help you identify the reasons why your child is having difficulty with ASD toilet training.

With some patience, understanding, and the right tools, you can ASD potty train your child. Just remember to be flexible and to go at your child’s pace. Do not get discouraged if it takes longer than usual or if you need to try different ASD toilet training methods. If you need help, do not hesitate to get professional ASD potty training assistance.

At What Age can a Child with ASD be Potty Trained?

There is no specific age at which a child with ASD can be potty trained. Some children with ASD may be able to be potty trained at a younger age, while others may take longer. In general, it is best to start ASD potty training when your child is showing interest in using the toilet seat.

When it comes to toilet training, it’s better not to focus on your child’s age but their skills. Here are some of the skills that determine if your little one is ready to take toilet training:

• Fine and gross motor skills as they help children with autism to carry out their toileting routine.
• Dressing and undressing skills so that they can pull off or up with little to no assistance.
• Imitating and observational skills so that you can guide them with the right way to wipe, wash hands, sit on toilet seats, etc.
• Direction recognition so that the child can identify the bathroom in their house.
• Basic sitting and standing skills to sit on a potty seat without resistance.

Developing a Toileting Routine

Creating a toileting routine can ASD potty train your child with ASD. A toileting routine is a sequence of events that happen in the same order every time your child uses the toilet. Having a toileting routine can help children with autism know what to expect and how to feel more comfortable with the process.

Children with autism often like routine. To develop toilet training routine, it’s important to follow a plan:

• Change your little one’s nappy or pant in the bathroom. This helps them to relate toileting activities to the washroom.
• Children with autism or any other developmental disabilities behave differently to changes. Thus, everyone in your family who cares for your child should be informed about the change in their behavior.
• Ensure every family member follow the same approach of toilet training. If you are sending them to preschool or school, let your child’s teachers and caregivers know about their child’s toileting difficulties along with the potty training approaches you are following.
• During your child’s developmental stage, observe them closely and check when they do a wee or a poo. Identify the regular pattern and assist them to the washroom as quickly as possible. This practice helps them avoid bed wetting and leads to a positive reinforcement.
• Make your child use wet wipes, toilet paper or wash their hands after they use the toilet. This action becomes a part of their toileting routine and helps potty train your child.
• Make use of visual supports to make your kiddo understand what you are expecting of them. Present visual sequence in the form of photographs, pictures and written words that motivate and make your child toilet trained.
• Consider praising your child for successfully following the toileting routine. If needed give them rewards for their good performance.

Teaching Dressing and Undressing Skills

Children with autism spectrum disorder often have difficulty in understanding how to dress and undress. This skill is very important for ASD toilet training success. Some children with ASD may need help to learn how to take their clothes off and on properly. You can use the following tips to teach your child how to dress and undress:

• Start with simple clothing items such as socks and shirts.
• Teach your child one step at a time. For example, start with taking off their shirt, then move on to taking off pants, etc.
• Use visual aids such as pictures or videos to help your child understand what you are trying to teach them.
• Encourage your child to practice dressing and undressing as often as possible.

Teaching Hand Washing

It’s important to teach autistic children how to wash their hands properly after using the toilet. Hand washing helps to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. You can use the following tips to teach your child how to wash their hands:

• Wet your child’s hands with warm water.
• Apply soap to their hands and help them rub their hands together.
• Teach them to scrub their hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse their hands with clean water.
• Dry their hands with a clean towel.
• Encourage your child to practice hand washing as often as possible.

Teaching Bowel and Bladder Control

Some children with ASD may have difficulty controlling their bowel or bladder. This can be a result of sensory issues or other ASD related problems. If your child is having difficulty with bowel or bladder control, you can use the following tips to help them:

• Encourage your child to go to the toilet regularly. This will help them get into a regular routine.
• Teach your child to relax their muscles when they are using the toilet. This will help them to avoid accidents.
• If your child is having trouble going to the toilet, you can try using a stool or other support to help them.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids during the day. This will help to prevent constipation.
• If your child is constipated, you can try giving them a stool softener or other laxative.

Give Habit Training

Habit training is a specific approach within ASD toilet training that focuses on establishing a consistent routine for using the toilet. This method can be particularly beneficial for children who struggle with regularity or who are resistant to other toilet training methods.

Habit training can be especially effective for children who have challenges in recognizing bodily cues, sensory sensitivities, or previous unsuccessful attempts at toilet training. To initiate habit training with your child, follow these steps:

1. Select the Optimal Time: Identify a specific time of day when your child is most likely to need to use the toilet. This could be after a meal or before bedtime, for example.
2. Guided Toilet Time: During the chosen time, guide your child to the toilet and assist them in using it appropriately. Provide any necessary support to ensure a successful experience.
3. Consistent Encouragement: Encourage your child to use the toilet consistently during the designated time each day. Gentle reminders and positive reinforcement can help establish this routine.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Offer positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, each time your child successfully uses the toilet at the chosen time. This can motivate them to continue following the routine.
5. Gradual Adjustment: As your child becomes accustomed to using the toilet at the designated time, you can gradually reduce the frequency of supervised visits to the restroom, while maintaining the routine.

Habit training is a tailored approach that aims to provide structure and predictability for children with ASD who may struggle with traditional toilet training methods. Remember that every child is unique, and what works best may vary from one individual to another.

Regular communication with professionals and caregivers can provide insights into the most suitable approach for your child’s specific needs.

Teaching Potty Humor

Some children with autism may find potty humor amusing. This can be a barrier to ASD toilet training success. If your child finds potty humor amusing, you can try the following tips to help them:

• Explain to your child that using the toilet is a serious matter.
• Encourage your child to talk about their bowel movements in a serious manner.
• Teach your child that there is no need to laugh or joke about using the toilet.
• Give positive reinforcement for using the toilet in a serious manner.

Training for School Setting

If your child is attending school, you will need to work with the school to ensure that ASD toilet training is successful. The following tips can help:

• Make sure that the school has a toilet training plan in place.
• Work with the school to create a positive reinforcement system for your child.
• Ensure that the school has adequate toilet facilities for your child.
• Make sure that the school staff are aware of your child’s ASD toilet training needs.

Toilet Training tips for Sensory Sensitives

Some children with ASD may be sensitive to certain textures, smells or sounds. This can make ASD toilet training difficult. If your child is sensory sensitive, you can try the following tips:

• Choose a toilet training method that is suitable for your child’s sensory needs.
• Make sure that the toilet area is clean and free from any strong odors.
• Ensure that the toilet area is well-lit and free from any loud noises.
• Make sure that your child is comfortable with the toilet seat and choose a seat that is soft and padded if necessary.
• Teach your child to flush the toilet after use. This will help to avoid any unpleasant smells.

Toilet Training Resources for Children with Autism

There are a number of ASD toilet training resources available. These can be found online or through ASD support groups. Toilet training resources can help your child learn different toilet, potty, bowel control and other techniques. These resources also assist parents and caregivers to understand different types of ASD toilet training methods and find out the right products for their children based on their needs.

We won’t be recommending any resources here as there are many available and it’s best to seek out a suitable one for your child.

By understanding ASD toilet training needs, adapting methods to suit your child and providing positive reinforcement, you can help your child acquire the skills they need to become independent in this area.

Role of Occupational Therapists in Toilet Training

An occupational therapist can help autistic children with toilet training in a number of ways. They can assess your child’s toileting needs and recommend the best ASD toilet training method for your child. They can also provide training resources and support to parents and caregivers. In addition, they can help to create a plan that is tailored to your child’s individual needs.

An ASD diagnosis can be overwhelming for parents and caregivers. There are a number of ASD support groups available that can offer advice and support. ASD support groups can also provide ASD toilet training resources and support to parents and caregivers.

Conclusion

Toilet or potty training can be a challenge for many parents and caregivers. Sometimes the potty training progress might stop or delay. Parents need to be prepared for this. ASD toilet training can be a success if the correct ASD toilet training resources and support are in place. There is no one size fits all ASD toilet training method, so it is important to find the right approach for your child. With the right ASD toilet training resources and support, your child can learn how to use the toilet successfully.

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Resources:

Toileting – a guide for parents and carers. (2022). Retrieved 9 June 2022, from https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/toileting/parents

Toilet training: autistic children. (2022). Retrieved 9 June 2022, from https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-wellbeing/toileting-hygiene/toilet-training-autism

(2022). Retrieved 9 June 2022, from https://autismawarenesscentre.com/the-difficulties-with-toilet-training-a-person-with-autism/

Potty Training For Autism – The Ultimate Guide. (2022). Retrieved 9 June 2022, from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-potty-training-guide/