Step 1: Getting ready for toilet training

This article is part of the Ready Steady Potty series, and it is based on a video on getting ready for toilet training, created by Sethu Centre. In this, the presenter guides us through the first steps of preparing to toilet train your child. Learning to use the toilet is an important milestone in our children’s life. 

It gives a sense of independence throughout their life. There are certain strategies in which you can train your child to use the toilet: Getting ready for toilet training, recording, trip training, self-initiation, poop training. This video and article focuses on ‘getting ready for toilet training’.

The presenter, Ms. Madhura starts by giving an example of a 9 year old boy with autism, who attends school, but is not yet toilet trained. This hinders his day to day activities, since the teachers are unwilling to take responsibility for toilet training him. Parents also find it concerning to take him out, since it is difficult to find a toilet frequently, to ensure he doesn’t wet himself. Through this example, she highlights the importance of toilet training.

Learning to use the toilet is an important milestone in children, as it ensures hygiene, well-being of the children and is an essential step in independent self-care. However, children with autism often face difficulty in being toilet trained. This can be one or more of the following reasons:

1. Communication: Children with autism have delayed speech and communication. Therefore, they may find it difficult to convey their needs and wants. They may simply not understand what or how they would want to communicate.
2. Transition: Transitioning from one activity to other is often a cause of concern in children with autism
3. Sensory Sensitivities: Sensory processing differences is another factor that often leads to delay in development of toilet training skills in children. Wet bathroom floor, the sound of the flush, undressing are some events which might make the children uncomfortable.
4. Fear: There might be many things that the children can be afraid of, however are unable to communicate effectively, such as fear of closed space, fear of falling into the toilet. Such fears often prevent them from participating in the activity.

Ms. Madhura shares some tips for parents to toilet train their children effectively.

Simple and efficient communication –

• Parents should use simple and efficient instructions for toilet training. These instructions should be simple and sequential.
• Make sure to use the common phrases consistently, this helps the child to also use the phrases effectively to indicate their toilet needs. 
• These words or phrases should be common to the child in all places such as home, school or therapies. This will help avoid any confusion.
• In non-speaking children, alternate means of communication such as signs and gestures, or pictures can be used to convey their toileting needs.

Planning is key

• For toilet training to be effective, it is essential to plan ahead and address any underlying concerns.
• If the parents observe or suspect that there might be a condition that may be affecting the child’s toileting functions, it is advisable to consult a doctor and take help addressing the concern.

Accidents are not the child’s fault

• Before and during the toilet training process, it is important for parents to remember that if the child is unable to successfully use the toilet, it is not the child’s fault. 
• The child may find it difficult to understand what is expected of them. It is important to remember that for a child, toilet skills involve unlearning to pee in a diaper and learning to pee in the toilet. 
• This will need time and patience.

Clothing

• A child cannot be toilet trained in a diaper. It is difficult for the children to be aware of the sensation in a diaper.
• It is therefore important to replace the diapers and use underwear while starting to toilet train. 
• Diapers can be used in the night initially to avoid a disturbed sleep.

Prioritise the child’s Comfort:

• Ensure that the child is comfortable while going to the toilet.
• In the presenter’s opinion, boys should be taught to pee sitting instead of standing, since it is easier to poop train as well while training to pee.
• Additionally, care should be taken to use adaptive tools such as a smaller potty seat or a potty seat with inserts to hold. This helps the child be comfortable.

Recognise and reward

• Praising a child whenever they pee or poop in the toilet is important as it motivates the child to keep doing it. 
• It is important to choose the reinforcement very carefully. Using verbal encouragement, toys or an activity should be highly motivating for the child. 
• Some examples that Ms. Madhura shares are toys, favourite food or activities that are highly reinforcing should be used and specifically for toilet training only.

By working on the strategies mentioned by Ms. Madhura, parents can help prepare their children for toilet training – an important step towards independent self care.

The article is based on the session that is divided into 5 parts, Getting ready for toilet training, Recording, Trip Training, Self Initiation, and Poop Training. These will help parents learn the systematic steps involved in their child’s toilet training. 

After pursuing her training as a special educator, the presenter, Madhura Manerikar was compelled to devote her time and teaching skills to children with special needs. During her work experience at Sethu, she developed an interest in teaching children with autism.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this article is for information purposes only.