How to Potty Train an Autistic Child

If you have a child with autism, you know that many aspects of "normal" life can be a struggle. The thought of having to potty train your autistic child might seem overwhelming, but there are steps you can take that will increase the chances of training your child successfully.

Things You'll Need

• Potty
• Art supplies (optional, for making visual aids)
• Underwear

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Instructions

• 1

  Make sure that your child is developmentally ready to potty train. Although many non-autistic children are trained by ages 2 or 3, autistic children may be on their own timetables. Make sure that your child can dress and undress, shows recognition of a soiled diaper, and stays dry throughout the night before begining to toilet train. If possible, wait until your child shows interest in the potty before beginning a potty training program in earnest.

• 2

  Develop a reward system that will motivate your child. For example, if your child loves baseball cards or stickers, you might want to use them as reinforcement when he successfully uses the potty.

• 3

  Take several days to figure out your child's digestive schedule. For example, your child might fill a diaper soon after every feeding, or after waking up from a nap. Use a journal, if necessary, to keep track of the times.

• 4

  Show the potty to your child and explain to her the purpose of the potty. Sit her on the potty at times that you know it is probable that she will need to use it, and help her to enjoy the time on the potty. You might want to read her books while on the potty, or let her sit one of her dolls on the potty, in order to build a positive connection with potty training.

• 5

  Use the reward system decided on. Explain the system clearly, using visual aids (e.g., a chart, a cause-and-effect picture) as necessary. Give the child a small reward for sitting on the potty and a larger reward for actually using the potty.

• 6

  When your child is clean for several days straight, consider switching to underwear. Present it as a reward for using the potty so well, and give plenty of encouragement to keep the new underwear dry.