The potty training process for any child can be stressful at times. Children on the autism spectrum may present different challenges in the process, but that’s why we’re here to help.
In this blog on autism and potty training, we’ll answer the following question:
- Is there a typical age to start potty training?
- When can I potty train my child with autism?
- What are the signs that a child with autism is ready for potty training?
- What are sensory issues with potty training autistic children?
- What are potty training techniques for children with autism?
Is There a Typical Age to Start Potty Training?
There’s no typical age to potty train a child. Each child is unique, and many factors play into their ability to learn and be fully trained for the task. These factors include physical, mental, environmental, and developmental milestones.
It’s generally expected for children to start toilet training between 18-36 months old – which is in itself a wide range. There is no rush for you or your child so long as you monitor their abilities and assess when the time is right for your child.
If you are beginning to suspect that your child with autism may be having issues with the learning process of potty training, it is perfectly acceptable to take it slow.
Most important is that you are patient, tracking progress and ensuring your goals are realistic for you and your child.
When Can I Potty Train My Child with Autism?
The timing to start potty training an autistic child can be similar to that of neurotypical children. There is no set age to potty train, though there may be different levels of patience needed in the beginning and duration of the process for potty training a child with autism.
One thing to be attentive to is potential behavioral or developmental impediments that might push back or augment how you approach potty training children with autism.
Potty training requires communication, pattern recognition, and reinforcement for outcomes. Behavioral interactions may have to be worked out before potty training is a realistic option for your child. Similarly, some children with autism are ready pretty early on.
Here are some things to consider when approaching potty training for a child with autism:
- Children with autism often have developmental delays or learn skills slowly. This is perfectly fine, as there is no set age to achieve potty training.
- A child with autism thrives on routine. Using a diaper is something they are likely used to, and using the toilet is both a change in that routine and a new one for them to develop.
- There might be anxiety or stress for both you and your child around toileting training. This is perfectly okay; just be patient in the process.
- Some children with autism are limited verbally – this doesn’t have to inhibit you from starting potty training, but it can make the process more challenging.
Each child with autism might face unique challenges in potty training but will have better success with support, structure, and patience.
What are the Signs That a Child with Autism is Ready for Potty Training?
Children begin potty training at different times depending on where they are in their physical and mental development. You may not teach your child with autism potty training until three years of age. In other cases, they may be ready as young as two years old. In general, your autistic child is ready to begin potty training when they’re able to do the following:
- Follow instructions in simple tasks
- Alert you they’ve had an accident
- Can sit on the toilet independently
- Can pull pants up and down
- Have regular bowel movements
- Have bladder control, stay dry for at least an hour during the day
Sensory Issues with Potty Training Autistic Children
Frequently, a part of toilet training for an autistic child is working around sensory issues. Specific actions involved in the potty process can initially overwhelm the child’s senses and may take time for them to get used to. Some sensory triggers that a child may experience include:
- Hand washing (rubbing soap on hands, wetting hands, drying hands)
- Faucet sounds
- Flushing sounds
- Sitting on the toilet
If you find your child continuing to struggle with certain stimuli, working with an occupational therapist may be beneficial. They can offer tools and activities that help your child handle stimuli.
Potty Training Techniques for Children with Autism
The techniques for potty training a child with autism will depend on their ability to communicate and other behavioral traits. We always recommend working to strengths instead of forcing a pre-planned method of training which may cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for both you and your child.
Here are some of our most successful toilet training strategies for children with autism:
- Use Simple Communication: Potty training and the shift in routine can be a mentally and physically complex process for any child. Visual supports and consistent timing can help simplify the mechanics at the beginning until using the bathroom is a known behavior for your child.
- Reward Positive Behaviors: Positive reinforcement is one of the strongest ways to help a child with autism learn in general. Rewarding a successful toilet trip is an excellent idea for encouraging your child’s development – whether it’s praise, toys, or treats.
Offer praise and reward your child when they complete the following:
- Lift and close the toilet seat
- Sit on the toilet
- Pee or poop in the toilet
- Flush the toilet
- Wash their hands
- Stay calm throughout the process if the child feels anxious or is tantrum-prone
Make sure to reinforce immediately after so that the connection between their accomplishment and the reward is clear as possible to your child.
- Don’t Stress Over Accidents: While positive reinforcement is integral for potty training success, overly fussing about incidents can create a negative hindrance that will prevent your child from trying again. A brief reminder about the intended action should be sufficient as a learning mechanism.
- Move Out of Diapers ASAP: As we have implied, routine is vital to children with autism. Making wearing underwear and going to the bathroom the norm instead of using a diaper will reinforce this routine.
We always encourage getting professional help via your ABA therapist or autism center. They can help you create positive systems, work through potential behavioral impediments, and add to your potty training routine.
Published On: December 8, 2021
Updated On: March 23, 2023
