Potty training kids with autism and other developmental disorders can be quite complicated and overwhelming. Although few kids learn the concept in a couple of months, it can even take years for others. For every kid, learning how to use a toilet is a crucial milestone in your child’s development. And it can take time. Thus, it’s vital to compliment them for even small successes. If you are a caregiver or parent wondering how to potty train special needs child, read further.

Special needs children who are fully trained enjoy increased freedom and self-confidence as he/she sets foot in daycare or special school. Toilet training for special needs kids appears the same as the process used for all kids. Simply, identify the weakness and strengths of your child. It will help you make adjustments along the way.

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How to Potty Train Special Needs Child?

This section will explore how to potty train your child with special needs:

How to Know When Child is Ready to Potty Train?

Want to know when do you potty train a child? Check it below:

When to Potty Train Child?

Forcing toilet training on a kid who is not yet developmentally ready can be a dreadful experience for both you and your kid. Since every kid grows at a different pace, wait till he/she shows symptoms that they are ready to potty train. 

How to Know When is My Child Ready to Potty Train?

Sometimes, it can be tough to know when to start potty training. So, look out for the following signs of potty training:

• Having a dry diaper for longer than usual during the day. 
• Sometimes, diapers stay dry throughout the night.
• Your kid can copy others.
• Waking up dry after a nap.
• Your kid is pulling his pants up and down.
• Telling you that they need to use the bathroom.
• Your child is showing that he/she wants to visit the toilet independently.
• He/she can follow two-step directions.
• Your kid is familiar with dirty or wet diapers.
• Your child is ready to cooperate.
• He/she can sit on the toilet seat for 5 minutes without any assistance.
• You see bowel movements occur at regular times. 

How to Potty Train Special Needs Child?

When you feel your kid is both developmentally and physically ready to start potty training, follow these tips.

Keep a Record

Start by maintaining a record of the dirty diapers of your special child. It will help you know when and how often he/she needs to visit the toilet. For example:

• When your kid has a bowel movement throughout the day.
• When your kid urinates.

Stick a Visual Chart with Pictures on the Wall

Toilet training a special needs kid can be easy with a visual chart. It has shown all the steps involved in using a toilet. This will help your kid better memorize the sequence and accomplish independence.

Get Rid of Sensory Distractions 

If your kid struggles with sensory problems, be familiar with the sounds, smells, and sights that block their potential to potty train. For example, an auto-flush system can be scary to small kids with sensory issues. Thus, make sure you have a smart plan.

Set a Timer Off

After your kid uses a potty seat, switch the timer off every hour. It will automatically tell your kid to use the toilet and provide relief from the pressure.

Avoid Using Diapers

During potty training, avoid using diapers. It will help your kid get familiar with the discomfort of being wet and learn to use the toilet quickly.

Always Celebrate Success 

Understanding every step of how to potty train special needs child is crucial for success. When you see your kid using the toilet successfully, do not forget to praise him/her. You can even set a real chart to draw stickers and charts. It will help your kid see the number of times they have used the potty successfully. 

Make Sure You Keep Your Kid Well Hydrated

Ask your kid to take a lot of fluids on potty training day. It will allow him/her to use the toilet more often.

Get Your Kid on the Real Toilet Quickly

After working in a tiny potty seat, try to get your special kid on the real toilet as quickly as possible. Prefer to buy a potty seat that adjusts directly on the toilet seat.

Make Your Kid Interested in Toilet

Take your child to the bathroom and show him/her everything. Explain what is a toilet, why we use it, and how to rinse hands properly. If you find your kid’s feet dangling from the large toilet seat, give a physical support. For example, you can add handicap rails to help your special kid.

FAQ’s – How to Potty Train Special Needs Child?

At What Age Should You Potty Train Your Child?

Experts believe that the right age to potty train child is during the first year. Most children show signs of being ready for toilet training between 18 to 24 months. But others might not be ready till they turn 3 years old. If you notice a delay beyond this time frame, consult the doctor near you quickly.

How to Potty Train Child with Autism?

The following tips will help you understand how to potty train an autistic child:

• Make visiting the toilet a part of his/her daily routine. Ask your autistic kid to sit at the same time daily for 5 minutes. Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet seat.
• Use visual modeling, Picture Exchange Communication System, or non-verbal signs to support your kid’s learning.
• Use particular language to help your kid understand what to do. 
• Ignore the potty stage if you notice that your kid faces difficulty with the change.
• Do not use different words for the toilet because it could create confusion.

How to Potty Train Speech Delayed Child?

Consider the potty training tips for later talkers:

• Fix a schedule.
• Applaud your kid and send rewards.
• Use a small chart to depict “pee” or “poo.”
• Take him/her with you in the bathroom when you go.
• Let your kid touch his/her underwear.

How Long Does it Take to Potty Train Autistic Child?

On average, an autistic child finishes potty training in 3 years. But sometimes, it may take longer and need in-depth outside support.

What to Do If Child Refuses to Potty Train?

Take into account these tips when your child refuses to potty train:

• Don’t use punishments or threats.
• Use positive words and tone when speaking to your kid.
• Be patient when it comes to negative behavior and accidents.
• Applaud their kid for success.
• Customize your toilet training strategy as per his/her personality.

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