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A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Havelock, NC

my son's communication is getting better and takes his diaper off after he goes but he doesn't seem to comprehend using the potty

October 2, 2012
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent navigating the challenge of potty training a 3-year-old boy with PDD-NOS, emphasizing patience, consistency,... Read more

Members rallied around a parent navigating the challenge of potty training a 3-year-old boy with PDD-NOS, emphasizing patience, consistency, and the understanding that every child progresses at their own pace. Several members recommended the book Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Other Developmental Issues as an invaluable resource, while others shared creative strategies that worked for them, including visual apps like School Bus with a panda character, pouring warm water to help trigger the sensation, reward systems, and free toolkits from Autism Speaks. A recurring theme was the importance of tuning out comparisons to neurotypical peers, celebrating small victories like a child saying poopie or using the potty once, and offering oneself grace through the inevitable accidents and setbacks that come with the journey.

A MyAutismTeam Member

I have no good advice, except to completely ignore anything you hear your friends/family/neighbors with same-aged NT peers saying about potty training. It was a long, hard process for us and every time I saw someone touting their child's (who was usually younger than mine) accomplishments on fascebook I wanted to cry and the more discouraged I got, the more frustrated I acted with my son and I regret that greatly.
A coworker showed me the book Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Other Developmental Issues and it is a great resource. There is a lot of trouble-shooting type info-- it is not your typical book on potty-training. I know it's on Amazon.

October 3, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

well my son was the same way ...but i know he is a very visual person and he loves playing on the touch pad ..so i got him this cute app called school bus ... its a panda that he would make him do things like eat . shower and potty !! its showed evrything like # 1 and # 2 and he would make the panda flush it too ! about two weeks later he was using the potty . and know he is trained :) hope this helps !

October 3, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

I had a very difficult time with my son until I got the book Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Related Disorders by Maria Wheeler. This book showed different things to do depending upon the situation you are facing. Before the book, my son would scream everytime we went into a public bathroom. Now after I used the book, no problems what so ever.

October 10, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

well team thank you so much for all your answers he is doing great he has been going on the potty and its an awesome feeling

October 10, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

know your not alone either i have a 3yr old boy ASD and we are in the same boat.. pull-ups and trying real hard but feels mostly like treading water.. but these answers helped me too so thanks! :)

October 10, 2012

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