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My 5yr old ASD son is potty trained (yay) however we have problems wiping. He's very independent and will not tell me when he goes to the potty. When he does go poo, he uses a whole roll of TP manages to get it everywhere and still doesn't get his behind clean. I don't think it's a sensory issue but not sure how to help him i.e. Hand over hand etc when most of the time he goes without telling me. Suggestions or ideas greatly welcome.
First, congratulations! that's no minor task! I'm thinking about having him help you parcel out the potty paper and put it in baggies for his use.
Another option is using wipes, but...you can't flush them, no matter what they say (I've seen the videos of the NY sanitation system, covered w/ "disposable" wipes...shudder). So he can use them, clean himself well, and then throw them in a bowl with a lid (which is what is done in many countries anyway...) I know this might be a bit gross, but you could line the bowl w/newspapers, and then toss it all away in a garbage bag.
The key, I think, is getting him to buy into the system. Another thing is to have HIM be able to see if he's clean, so here's a radical suggestion: put a mirror on the floor in front of the potty. Let HIM check his butt! Ok, it still won't be perfect, but he might get a real kick out seeing himself and he might be better able to clean himself well, like the big kids. Oh, the pride and joy!
If you don't want to use wipes, here's one problem he may be running into - he gets dry and can't clean it all off. Sprayer w/water in it might let him spray himself and then wipe himself. Yes, yes he will end up soggy at first. As will everything in the bathroom. But redirected, with just a LITTLE water in the sprayer, he might be able to make it work.
Just some thoughts.... Amy
@A MyAutismTeam Member is completely right here- make a big deal of how impressed you are, how well he handled it! Resist the urge to get where he missed, unless it's really a health issue (more a problem w girls...). Celebrate the victory!
When he wipes praise him a lot. Like go crazy. Say "OMG YAY YOU WIPED!!!" And if you want to encourage him to tell you when he goes say "THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TELLING ME" give him treats. Go crazy. Throw a party every time he does something right
I keep baby wipes in the bathroom for just that purpose, but have to catch her right after the act, since she forgets to call me when she's done. The mirror sounds like a great idea.
Omg thank you! What great ideas!
A MyAutis...
