Autism & Toilet Training: Tips to Help Parents and Caregivers

Your child may be exhibiting signs they are ready to be toilet trained, or maybe you are just very eager to ditch the diapers. Toilet training a child requires the right balance between a child’s readiness to learn to use the toilet, and a parent’s readiness to do the training. When a child has autism, toilet training could come with specific challenges. What we know is that all children are different, so whether your child is diagnosed with autism or neurotypical, it’s a complicated process to sign up for. 

That said, a toilet trained child is quite an accomplishment for themselves and for the parent. Say goodbye to the cost of diapers or pull-ups and improve your child’s confidence in being able to independently use the restroom. It’s worthwhile to begin the process of toilet training once you believe it’s the right time to do so. 

Signs Your Child Can Toilet Train

A child’s toilet training readiness is much more about their developmental progress than their age. While it’s normal for a parent to observe a child’s peers successfully completing toilet training and wanting the same for their own child, toilet training readiness depends greatly on individual circumstances. 

Is Your Child Ready for Toilet Training?

Here are some common signs they could be ready:

• Your child does not like the feeling of a wet diaper, and will take it off on their own to demonstrate their discomfort.
• They show interest when a sibling or adult uses the toilet.
• They will take an adult to the bathroom to get a new diaper. 
• Throughout the day, their diaper remains dry for longer periods of time.
• They can pull their own pants up and dress themselves.
• The child can sit on a toilet or training seat on their own.
• Your child consistently goes to the same spot or hides when they need to void in their diaper

Do Children with Autism Potty Train at the Same Age as Their Peers?

It may initially seem daunting to toilet train your child, especially if they are nonverbal or have communication challenges. That said – you can do it! It is common for children with autism to toilet train later than their peers, possibly related to other developmental delays, but every child is different and not all children with autism potty train later than their peers. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy can help parents and caregivers successfully teach their child to toilet training by providing rewards when success occurs, and de-emphasizing less desired behaviors during the process. 

Common Toilet Training Obstacles

• Because some children have used a diaper for many years, breaking this long-established routine is a challenge all on its own. 
• Sensory overstimulation around a toilet (noises, new environment, water running) makes it a more challenging place for a child to learn a new life skill. 
• Many children with autism do not display common signs they need to use the toilet, such as the “potty dance” or crossing their legs. Accidents are common.

4 Tips to Start Toilet Training

How to Toilet Train a Child with Autism

• Use visual cues to communicate how to use the toilet. A visual schedule that shows to first sit on the toilet, then wipe, then flush, and then wash your hands, can be a powerful tool to communicate with your child what to expect in the process. Some children, especially nonverbal children with autism, may communicate in different ways during the toilet training process, so look for these cues. Some children look at their parents intently right before using the toilet. This is a cue — follow your child’s lead!
• Make potty training fun, and tell your child it’s a potty party day! Show them the rewards you have ready: their new, comfortable potty, their colorful undies and the juice, liquids and other snacks they can enjoy during the time you will be together for potty training. Your enthusiasm will go a long way in getting your child excited about using the potty, too!
• If an accident happens, avoid making it a big deal. They will happen. Instead, clean up quickly and move on. Give your child much more attention and praise when they use the toilet successfully. 
• Rewarding positive behaviors will go a long way when it comes to potty training! Have your child’s favorite treats, toys, or prizes on hand to reward your child when they successfully use the toilet. 
• Use a timer during the days you are toilet training them, and take them to the bathroom every 20 minutes. Provide more liquids and salty foods than normal, since this will help them actually need to use the restroom more often. They will be able to identify the feelings of needing to use the bathroom with the act of going to the bathroom and doing that more often if they take in more liquids than usual. Once your child is catching on to the process (for some, it could be as soon as two days), you can make the increments between the time you are using a timer longer, and decrease the frequency you are giving your child liquids and salty snacks.

Potty Training Kids with Autism – Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

There are so many aspects to toilet training you may have questions about. At Acorn Health, parents can work alongside a child’s clinical team during potty training to troubleshoot any concerns that come up. Here are some common questions parents have asked our team during toilet training:

ABA therapy can support your family during the toilet training process, and through other important developmental milestones and life skills. If you have questions about ABA therapy, or would like to request ABA services for your child, call (844) 244-1818.