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Check out our post on- Is my child with autism ready to be potty trained<\/a> to learn more about toileting readiness.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n Materials Needed:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n Ok, I have what I need. What do I do next??<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n Switch straight to underwear.<\/a><\/p>\r\n You want your child to feel the wet sensation when they urinate in their underwear. This is building their awareness.<\/p>\r\n Also, you don\u2019t want them to sit in a soiled diaper since they get used to the feeling. You want them to notice right away and change them. They will learn the difference between wet and dry.<\/p>\r\n I don\u2019t recommend pull-ups since it is essentially the same thing as a diaper. You can use training underwear (thicker underwear) or plastic pants (avoids the mess, but the child still feels the wet sensation).<\/p>\r\n If you don\u2019t want to train at night, pull-ups or diapers can be used at bedtime. But only put them on right before bed and change them back to underwear the moment your child wakes up.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n When potty training your child try to dress him in pants that have easy access<\/a>. Avoid dressing him\/her in pants with buttons, belts, hard to open snaps etc.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n This way we can get about 20 learning trials in a day so we can practice. After all, ABA is all about data and as many trials as possible to promote generalization! This helps with the learning curve.<\/p>\r\n The extra drinks phase<\/a> only lasts 2-3 days and it is generally effective.<\/p>\r\n It is important to use preferred liquids such as sodas or juices since your child will not want to drink so much water. (Just make sure to brush his teeth that night extra well!)<\/p>\r\n Another idea is to serve your child salty snacks so he is motivated to keep drinking. We want a high frequency of urination to speed up the teaching process.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n We are setting our child up for success- Giving enough fluid, taking him every fifteen minutes, and reinforcing when he potties.<\/a><\/p>\r\n This makes him want to go again and moves up the learning curve.<\/p>\r\n Buy the most motivating reinforcers<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n Even if you don\u2019t love using a candy or a specific toy as a reinforcer, use it! It\u2019s a short process and will help your child stay motivated!<\/p>\r\n Taking Data<\/strong> is VERY important.<\/p>\r\n You will feel like this is not working but if you take data you will notice that the first half of day one was 3 accidents; the second half was only 2 etc. You will see the learning curve and feel successful.<\/p>\r\n Keep the datasheets in your bathroom or use an app on your phone.<\/p>\r\n It is very easy to lose motivation when you are not tracking progress.<\/p>\r\n Also, you may notice a pattern of how often you went to the toilet and your child did not need it. As this occurs, you will learn your child\u2019s schedule and adjust. We may also notice if a specific time\/place is prone to accidents.<\/p>\r\n As a parent, you can write up interventions on your datasheet to keep handy.<\/p>\r\n Click here to download our toilet training datasheet.<\/a> <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\r\n Record: date, time, place, success\/non-success, type of voiding, scheduled\/self-initiated.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n
No more diapers<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Easy access pants<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Increase fluid intake<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Rewards for successful use of toilet<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Data\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Keep the environment helpful when potty training a child with autism<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n