MyAutismTeam

It's great that your daughter is already communicating when she needs to pee — that's a real win! Pooping in the potty is a separate skill and it's very common for autistic children to take longer with this step. The holding behavior suggests she may feel anxious or uncomfortable about it.

Here are some tips that may help:

It's great that your daughter is already communicating when she needs to pee — that's a real win! Pooping in the potty is a separate skill and it's very common for autistic children to take longer with this step. The holding behavior suggests she may feel anxious or uncomfortable about it.

Here are some tips that may help:

- Watch for signs — since she holds it, try to notice her body language cues and gently guide her to the potty before she reaches the "barely making it" stage
- Keep her on the potty longer — try reading a book, singing a song, or using a favorite toy to make sitting feel less rushed
- Use a visual schedule — picture cards showing the steps of using the potty can help reduce anxiety around the process
- Reward every small step — even just sitting longer without saying "done" deserves praise or a small reward
- Make it sensory-friendly — a footstool under her feet can help her feel more secure and actually makes it physically easier to go
- Stay calm yourself — children with autism are very tuned in to a parent's stress, so a relaxed approach can help her feel safer

Working with an occupational therapist who has autism experience can also make a big difference with this specific challenge.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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