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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Hey there all! So my son is kind of in a strange in-between state, where I'd say he's like 80% or so potty trained...?

He does still wear diapers at night (and seems nowhere near close to being able to stay dry overnight). However, a lot of the time, he requests that we put one of his night diapers on during the *daytime*... particularly in new/non-routine situations for him.

In the past, it used to be sort of rare, and we'd only do daytime diapers for sort of unusual or extreme cases (like… read more

October 26, 2025
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A MyAutismTeam Member

I'm just guessing about this but your child might be scared to use a public toilet in case they would need to pee while you're out. The diaper is an alternative possibly. I would ask your child if that's the reason .and then you will know.

October 26, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

Routine:
Take him every hour regardless if he has to go or not.
Document when he does go and then build a routine on those times.
B.M.'s, Try an Hour before Bed-Time, let him watch a video that makes him laugh, or have a silly toy that makes him laugh.
Afterwards, Bathe him, then after putting warm clothes on him, right to bed.
The whole house will thank you.

October 27, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son (level 2 asd) took what felt like a long time to potty train and got to a phase around 5, almost six for asking for pull-ups during the day which sounds similar. Around the time he was basically completely potty trained, my husband and I assumed it was apart of his routine to want vrs needed. We encouraged no diapers on trips, shopping etc and used lots of praise, stickers etc. It isn't a bad thing to have that comfort but for asking you for it is a turning point in my mind, when ours would ask we would say he is a big boy and change the direction and we got books (on the topic of underpants, trying something new themed) and new underpants that was themed on cartoons he loved (paw patrol, pokemon, minecraft etc) which help us a lot as he thought they were super cool to wear, vrs the pull-ups sounds like you are doing the best you can but id still encouraging underpants because of school etc and good habit to get into the new routine! (Also he is fully potty trained now, wishing you the best! )

October 27, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/to...

https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/toi...

Tips for Potty Training Children with Autism
Start early: Begin introducing the concept of toileting at an early age, even if the child is not ready to use the toilet yet.
Use visual supports: Use pictures, charts, or videos to help the child understand the process of toileting.
Establish a consistent routine: Create a predictable schedule for using the toilet, such as after meals or before bed.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward the child when they use the toilet appropriately, such as with praise, stickers, or a favorite activity.
Break down the task: Divide the process of toileting into smaller steps, such as going to the bathroom, sitting on the toilet, and washing hands.
Consider professional help: Consult with a therapist, such as an occupational therapist or behavior analyst, who can provide individualized guidance and support.
Patience and Understanding
Potty training children with autism can be a lengthy and challenging process. It's important to be patient and understanding with the child, and to avoid punishing them for accidents. Remember that every child is different, and some may achieve toilet training at a later age than others.

https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/toilet-training-for-everyone-revised-and-expanded/?gad_campaignid=653847819&gbraid=0AAAAADQdA_Gp3ORyJQox_qKXgltuJ8HEa&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlonagpLCkAMVQVtHAR0A4gDsEAAYAyAAEgL8BfD_BwE
What to Know About Toilet Training Your Child with Autism - SPARK for Autism
What to Know About Toilet Training Your Child with Autism - SPARK for Autism
October 26, 2025
MyAutismTeam

Is it okay that my almost 6-year-old son prefers wearing diapers during daytime outings, especially in new or non-routine situations?

It's completely understandable that you're wondering about this! First, potty training can take significantly longer for children with autism, so you're not alone in this journey.

What Show Full Answer

Is it okay that my almost 6-year-old son prefers wearing diapers during daytime outings, especially in new or non-routine situations?

It's completely understandable that you're wondering about this! First, potty training can take significantly longer for children with autism, so you're not alone in this journey.

What you're describing—your son requesting diapers during non-routine situations—may be his way of managing anxiety or sensory concerns about unfamiliar environments. Public restrooms can be particularly challenging for children with autism due to loud automatic flushers, hand dryers, crowds, and other sensory triggers.

The fact that it's not causing problems for your family is actually important. Many families use similar accommodations while gradually working toward independence.

Here are some things to consider:

- Anxiety management: Diapers might provide comfort and security during stressful or unpredictable situations
- Sensory sensitivities: Public restrooms can be overwhelming with noise and unfamiliar sensations
- Communication: He's clearly able to express his needs, which is positive
- Gradual progress: Many children take years to fully master toileting skills

Rather than viewing this as "awful," it might help to see it as a temporary support while continuing to work toward independence. Moving forward:

Consider working with an occupational therapist or behavioral specialist who can help identify what specifically makes public toilets challenging for him. A MyAutismTeam member shared success using social stories with photos comparing home and school toilets, along with sensory accommodations like familiar scents.

Some strategies that have helped other families:

- Social stories: Visual guides showing the steps and what to expect
- Practice runs: Frequent trips to familiar public restrooms during low-stress times
- Incremental steps: Small rewards for progress at each stage
- Sensory preparation: Letting him know what sounds/sensations to expect

The key is finding what works for your son while maintaining his dignity and confidence. There's no single "right" timeline, and using diapers as a bridge while building skills is a valid approach that many families use successfully.

October 26, 2025

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