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Potty training for asd level 2 five year old

November 11, 2025
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Answer Summary

Members shared detailed strategies for potty training children with autism, emphasizing patience, consistency, and the understanding that the... Read more

Members shared detailed strategies for potty training children with autism, emphasizing patience, consistency, and the understanding that the process can take many attempts before success. Several members described practical approaches that worked for them, including frequent scheduled potty breaks (starting every 15-30 minutes), using special bathroom-only toys and videos to make the experience enjoyable, implementing sticker charts and reward systems with small gifts, and carefully tracking bathroom schedules to identify patterns. A recurring theme was avoiding power struggles, celebrating every small success with enthusiastic praise, and recognizing that comfort and routine matter more than forcing the issue, with many members finding that persistence paired with positive reinforcement eventually led to breakthroughs even after months or years of challenges.

A MyAutismTeam Member

I've potty trained ash 12 different times now she's fully trained at home but not public trained yet. I put tons toys in bathroom n those toys r only for training time. I also did a sticker reward system I don't think she understood but if I sat her on the toilet n she went pee ide put a sticker on the poster board I made. Once she got 3 for that day I rewarded her ide pull out a fancy box with gifts I bought from store/ autism store and let her grab one. Ide dance too n celebrate πŸ₯³ each time she would go even if it was me putting her on the potty. I sat her down every 30 mins n did that up till evening time. When I trained her the last several times ide do once a hour.

November 12, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

Hey! I pretty much would second what everyone else is saying. My son began potty training at 5 and it just takes some getting used to. I found with my son it wasn't a matter of not understanding but more of a comfortability/reliance thing. Why have to use the toilet when I can just do it this way and I know my parent will tend to me lol. But what really helped was even when it didn't seem like it was working to keep trying. Get sheets to document the times you try, document successes and non success with time stamps this will help you to know his natural bathroom schedule. As time consuming as it was and a bit frustrating for my son the starting schedule was sitting him on the potty like every 15-20 min. And then once the successes started to occur it was clear his schedule was between 20-25 min. Then once he was staying dry for longer periods of time the schedule was stretched out longer. It is important to know that during the start of it he was consuming a lot of water so those opportunities for toileting were available. Once he started getting the hang of things the liquid intake was adjusted. And like everyone is saying reward reward reward. And that can be favorite snack, favorite activity. Something to make that connection. For my son we had to reward non voids, but sitting still on the potty with praise and a small reward and then those successes with something he reaaaally loved so he wasn't just trying to sit on the potty to get a reward lol! I'm here if you have anymore questions! :)

November 12, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

Tips for success
Stay positive and praise effort: Encourage your child by praising them for telling you they need to go or for sitting on the potty, not just for a successful trip.
Establish a routine: Schedule regular potty breaks, especially after waking up, after meals, and before bed, even if they don't feel the urge to go.
Make it comfortable: Ensure your child is wearing loose-fitting clothes that are easy to pull on and off.
Don't force it: Keep potty breaks short (around 3-5 minutes) and allow your child to get off if they don't go. Sitting for too long can feel like punishment.
Avoid punishment: If an accident happens, clean up without fuss or punishment and help them change into fresh clothes.
Use a reward system: Sticker charts or small rewards can be highly motivating.
Make it a family affair: Choose a word for "pee" and "poop" and use it consistently with the whole family.
Addressing potential issues
Emotional factors: At this age, potty training can sometimes be about control. Avoid power struggles and create a calm, safe space for them. Reading books about potty training can also help.
Physical factors: Ensure your child is getting enough fiber and fluids to prevent constipation. If you suspect a physical issue, consult a healthcare provider.
Fear of the toilet: Loud-flushing toilets can be scary. Avoid flushing while your child is sitting on the potty, suggest they master sitting before standing (for boys), and be aware of other anxieties, such as those about school bathrooms.
Take a break: If you're both getting frustrated, it's okay to take a break from potty training for a while and try again later.

https://asatonline.org/research-treatment/clini...

Toilet-Training
Toilet-Training
November 12, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

My 5 yr old son with autism refuses to go on the potty at home. Not sure if he does at school this year. He did for prek some. No matter how positively I approach potty training his response is, "No! Never!"πŸ˜΅β€πŸ’« Going to discuss it at his ETR. My 10 yr son was potty trained at school by one of the special needs unit aides. She had toys he was allowed to play with only if he used the potty. Teachers possess super powers I don't. Needless to say, every kid is different!

November 14, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

Just keep potty near or keep her entertained near toilet and that way easy to get to when she needs it

November 12, 2025

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