Special Needs Behavior and Development

Therapist Questions & Answers - Special Needs & Medical Diagnoses

My three year old son was diagnosed with autism. We are trying to get him potty trained but are struggling. He is a high functioning child on the spectrum. He has improved SO much in his social skills & interactions with his peers. I think he would wear a pull-up until he was ten years old if we let him. We've tried putting him in underwear. He wets them and continues playing unphased. He will literally hold his urine until we give up and put a pull-up on him, which then he soaks the pull-up. We've tried giving rewards, treats, praises & even singing when he did eventually go. It's turning into a power struggle. I'm afraid he'll get a bladder infection from holding it. Is this "typical" for a child with autism? Do you have any suggestions or he he just not ready to be potty trained yet?

We often gets questions regarding toilet training from parents of children in early intervention. Toilet training is difficult for kids without special needs and even more challenging for kids with special needs. But, it can be accomplished, if you remember to be realistic, patient & positive with your goals. This is a really great link to a website that details ideas and methods specific to toilet training for children with autism.

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Therapist Questions & Answers - Special Needs & Medical Diagnoses