Potty Training

Kristy Kuehn

Heather Wilson

Why Toilet Train?

Family

Community

School/Social Relationships

Health Related Concerns

GI Track

Diet

Linking Home and School

Parent commitment-what has been attempted, data collectingConsistent practices-family beliefs and approachesEarly pattern detection-dry overnight, at least 2 hours

Am I Ready To Use The Potty?

Age-mental and chronological (after 4 a priority)

Show interest

Physically able to sit

Remain dry for 2 hours/overnight*still attempt after 4 years old

Present Level Data Collection

Charting pattern of elimination at home and school for 2 weeksInterpret data to detect patternsMaking data a reality-creating a scheduleCommunicating patterns to parents

Time For The Toilet

Setting up the bathroom

Free of distraction

Foot stool

Books

Picture schedule

Timer

Potty seat

Reward

Dressing

Elastic band pants

Diapers vs. underwear w/ rubber

pants

Rubber band for shirt– (Frequently feeling

wet/soiled clothing against the skin for lengthy periods of time will desensitize the person to the discomfort of that sensation)

Bathroom Must Haves!

Reward System

Why reward-increased chances of success, funHow to reward- strict & structured What- individual and powerfulWhen-immediately*if then reward poster

individualized*

Facts To Know Before You Sit

No reward for sitting-only reward for elimination

Always finish routine

Follow original schedule for 1 week before changing

Most common reason for failure-is failure to develop a schedule and stick to it

Common and consistent language

Here I Come Potty!Initiate w/ visual cue card “potty time”Guide through routine with visual scheduleSit for 3 minutes-unless elimination occursBooks can be used while sittingComplete entire routine w/out reward if elimination doesn’t occurRecord on elimination recordRepeat at next scheduled timeMidpoint check-optional reward if dry

Common Obstacles

Resistance of the bathroomResistance of the toiletAfraid of flushingOverly interested in flushingBad aimResistance to being wipedPlaying in the toiletPlaying with toilet paperNegative reaction to taking away the diaperAccidents

You Asked? Pairing the bathroom with positive experiencePractice sitting with clothes on, use potty seat on the floor (separate chair), provide stabilizing deviceOnly flush when elimination occursIntroduce flushing when child not near the toiletGive visual/verbal warning for flushingPhysically cover handle to remove from their sightIndicate on visual schedule when & how many times to flush; add visual cue to handleUse target in water/food coloring-personal discretionUse baby wipes, clothes or practice with dollGive water toy as distraction from playing with water or lap-deskRemove toilet paper if big problem, roll out ahead of time, green/red tape start and stop on wall for pulling toilet paperPlacing diaper over underpants…gradually cutting away portions, pre-teaching and rewarding wearing underwearBe calm-firmly say “Pants wet Yucky” followed by toileting routine

Building Independence

• Personal pocket pictures

• Gradually remove rewards

• Fade physical presence

• Social story

I have to go in THERE…

Continue with visuals!

1. Slow introduction-visit w/out any interactions; repeat 3 times

2. Try one interaction- hand washing, flushing, paper towels

3. Complete entire routine

4. You DID it!!!!!

Night Time Nastiness

Begin ONLY after daytime is successfulStop fluids 3 hours before bedtimeMUST have consistent nighttime routine (ex: bath, pj’s, toilet) Immediately complete bathroom routine upon awakeningIf necessary, pattern wet/soil during the night in order to wake the child for bathroom

I’m A Big Kid Now…Let’s Party!

References• Books:• Exkorn, Karen Siff. (2005). The Autism Sourcebook. New York, NY.: HarperCollins.• Tilton, Adelle Jameson. (2004). The Everything Parent’s Guide to Children with

Autism. Avon, Mass.:Adams Media. • Wheeler, M. (1998). Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Related Disorders.

Arlington, Tx.: Future Horizons. • Websites:• Applying structured teaching principles to toilet training. Retrieved November 1st,

2007 from Teacch Autism Program. http://www.teacch.com/toilet.html• Autism and Toilet Training. Retrieved November 1st, 2007 from Behavior Advisor.

http://www.behavioradvisor.com/Autism&Toileting.html• Toilet Training. Retrieved November 2nd, 2007 from The Autism Home Page.

http://groups.msn.com/TheAutismHomePage/toilettraining.msnw• Other:• Coucouvanis, Judith. (2006). Toilet Training the Child with Special Needs

(Conference).