Toileting Issues With Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder that involves social issues, developmental delays and restricted interests. Special issues arise when attempting to toilet train an autistic child. Because many parents attempt to potty train autistic children just like they would a typical child, many times they are unsuccessful.

Significance

• Autism affects 1 in 150 individuals in the United States. This number has steadily increased over the past ten years, leading many to believe that it will continue to do so. To help these children become even semi-independent adults, toilet training is necessary.

Considerations

• Autistic children do not learn the same way as typically developing children. This applies to classroom learning as well as basic life skills. Teaching an autistic child to use the toilet successfully is different than teaching methods used with typical children. Although most children eventually teach themselves to use the potty, autistic children do not. Until someone teaches them how to use the toilet, they will not know how.

Misconceptions

• Some misconceptions involving autistic individuals not being able to potty train do exist. While it does take autistic children longer to learn how to use the toilet in some cases, it is possible for almost all autistic children to be successfully potty trained.

Benefits

• The benefits of toilet training an autistic child are numerous. The financial cost of diapers or pull-ups for parents is astronomical, and toilet training eliminates that cost. It increases the independence of the child, leading to increased confidence and a boost in self-help skills. Since many child care facilities require potty training by a specific age, potty training an autistic child can help with classroom integration in classes with typical peers.

Expert Insight

• Be consistent with the toilet training process. Autistic children learn best from structured and repeated lessons. Establish a diaper or underwear checking routine to check undergarments for soiling or wetness. Give plenty of praise when the child is dry, and if the diaper is wet or dirty, explain that the potty is for toileting, not underpants. Have the child sit on the potty and praise them for going. Make potty training a positive process for the child by providing rewards for progress.

Warning

• If an autistic child has issues with potty training, rule out any medical issues before assuming that it is just stubbornness or defiant behavior. Seizure disorders are fairly common with autistic disorders, and can cause children to lose urine and bowel control. Urinary tract infections cause frequent urination and urgency issues, and a simple urine test can rule these out. Don't turn potty training into a battle, as this will result in the child fighting toilet training.