Potty Training Autistic Children and other Special Needs

When it comes to potty training an Autistic or other special needs child, there are going to be some challenges. It may require the parent(s) to come up with creative ideas to grab the attention of the child. But the one thing that is the same with all children potty training is Consistency.

Make a schedule and stick to it even if it means putting off house cleaning or errands for a few days. Dedicate time to focus on the child, find things the child enjoys doing and include them in potty training time. Be willing to stretch your boundaries to accommodate for potty training.

Understand there probably will be some potty accidents. Have your child help you clean it up and don't make a big deal out of it and praise your child for their efforts.

As the mom of an Autistic child days can be unpredictable. Keeping a schedule can help make things a little easier while being flexible. If you child loves snacks allow your child to have one while sitting on the potty. If they enjoy watching certain tv shows or movies let them watch one with the potty sitting in front of the tv. If they love video games then let them play them.

You want the child to get the feeling of using the potty. If it works better to go without underwear then do so. While the potty training process may take longer with a special needs child the tools are the same. Be consistent, always praise and utilize things they enjoy.

Also, talk with your child's pediatrician, therapists, even moms of Autistic children or those with special needs. They may have additional ideas to consider. To get started with the basics of potty training consider Pottytrainingsites potty training e-book to help you get started with potty training.

Potty Training Children With Autism

It's been quite some time since I've been posting on the pottytrainingsite blog. Mainly, it is due to spending a lot of time traveling and at The TEAM Centers, Inc. in nearby Chattanooga, TN. This center assists families, children and adults with behavioral and developmental disorders. They specialize in Autism, helping families in Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Alabama.

Recently, my middle child whom I had the greatest challenge/struggles with potty training, was diagnosed as having PDD or Pervasive Development Disorder. PDD is on the Autism Spectrum.

I have always been one to emphasize to parents who are potty training or experiencing challenges that having a schedule is so important. For Autistic children this is imperative that a schedule be set whether or not you are potty training.

Allow your child to be a part of their daily schedule. Use pictures, stickers, markers or magnets to make it child "friendly." Having structure day to day will help make things smoother not only for your child but yourself as well as the rest of the family.

Potty training does not have to be a difficult challenge. Be creative and always include your child. Include activities that they enjoy doing. Utilizing things in your child's life that grabs their attention can help motivate them when it comes to potty training.

Children with Autism must be accepted for who they are. As a specialist reminded me, children with a disorder on the Autism spectrum cannot be changed. They are who they are and parents as well as teachers and others involved in their lives have be creative, working with the child to build a successful connection.

So many times others attempt to change a child with Autism. Majority of the time that backfires leading to frustration, anger, resentment, and even guilt. It does not have to be that way.

Potty training a child with special needs such as Autism can become a breakthrough and way to bond with that child.

Jennifer

Pottytrainingsite.com

Potty Training

Potty Training A Special Needs Child

What are some ways to work with a special needs child while potty training?

-Create flash cards showing pictures related to potty training
-Allow them to "explore" the potty (observe it, touch it)
-Demonstrate what the potty is used for
-If the child is wanting to use the potty in an unconventional way (backwards, squatting like a frog, standing up) allow them to. If you attempt to correct them it leads to the possibility of resistance.

All children need consistency and praise when potty training. Getting your child potty trained requires repetition, patience and creativity. All children potty train at different ages and in different ways. Integrate things you know entertains your child into potty training. What gets them calm, relaxed, cooperative?

Make potty training an exciting time and not just another "chore" to work on in a child's life. Potty training is a big milestone in any child's life.

Potty Training a Special Needs Child

Potty training can be a wonderful, exciting time to bond with your child. Having a special needs child to potty train is no different other than the fact you may have to spend a little more one on one time with them. Be creative and integrate things they enjoy playing with. What gives them entertainment and incorporate it into potty training. If stickers, lollipops or popsicles work then use them.

Most of all, BE Consistent! Take some time before beginning potty training and make a schedule. Dedicate time to work on potty training and nothing else. Always, always, always praise your child for their efforts.

If your child is unable to see or hear well create pictures related to potty training. Let them feel the potty, the toilet paper. Show them books related to potty training, even videos. Motivate and encourage them in ways you know how.

It's okay when they have potty accidents. Let them help you clean the mess up while praising their efforts. Give them hugs of reassurance as you want them to continue trying.

Rewards should be things your child doesn't often receive. Make it special rewards. You may even consider having a potty party for the "graduate."

Potty training is a great time to learn more about your child. It can be one of the most educational, bonding moments for the both of you.

Potty Training

Potty training comes at a crucial time in a child's life. Parents, guardians and babysitters all contribute to sculpting a child. What you say and what you do impacts a child's life whether it is positive or negative.

As you prepare to potty train or you are in the midst of potty training take some time to write your expectations, what the child's favorite things to do on a day to day basis and rewards they enjoy receiving. Think about things you can implement into potty training.

Do they enjoy watching certain movies? Then consider placing a potty chair in the room they watch movies in. If they enjoy playing in a specific room place the potty in it and allow them to implement it into their play time. Encourage them to show their toys how to go potty.

If the child loves popsicles, lollipops, cookies or another treat consider giving them one while they take a little time to at least try to use the potty. Rewarding a child should be more than just a treat. Renting a new movie they've wanted to see, a trip to Mc Donald's, or creating a treasure basket/box. Utilize what your child enjoys.