Dr. Arpan Kumar

Toilet training children with an Autism spectrum disorder (asd) 
11 top toileting tips: 

1. The main sign of readiness for a child with an asd is compliance, or the child’s ability to imitate. If you can get the child to do What you ask, and/or copy an action – then they are ready!
2. Avoid potties! start out with the end in mind. Children with autism have trouble generalising and the last thing you want is to have to carry their pottie around with you everywhere you go!
3. Visuals are very important. Make up some visuals to help the child understand the toileting process and to provide a prompt. 
4. Prepare lots of fun activities to do with the child. Making going to the toilet fun takes the pressure off and makes it a motivating place to go.
5. Rewards are one of the most important elements of toilet training – children need a motivator as it is just too easy to continue to go in their nappy. Rewards need to be instant and powerful. Reward immediately and reward the same every time.
6. Base yourself in or right next to the toilet for the first few days of toilet training. Have as many home comforts in the room for the child to make it a fun environment.
7. Remove nappies. Once you start toilet training do not let the child put on any form of nappy until they go to bed at night. If you let them wear them during the day at all they will learn to hold on until they are in their nappy.
8. Toilet time – put the child on the toilet every 30 minutes for 10 minutes at a time, increasing time as they get the hang of it.
9. Teach the child the whole steps of toileting – including putting on underpants, flushing the toilet and washing hands. 
10. Some children may have sensory sensitivities related to toileting. Sensory sensitivities need to be respected and worked on.
11. Create good routines around toilet timing. Have set times when the child must go to the toilet.

How should the child sit: Feet on the floor, providing support for postural shifts and adjustments and flexed (bent) elbows on table. 

Parenting tips

1) Mothers - please give your child a glass of water after returning from school everyday and ask him how his day was. (even if his clothes are soiled, treat nicely).

2) Fathers - please fix an appointment with child and talk to him or let him talk to you everyday for at least 10 mins. (this improves speech and the ability to recollect things).

3) Parents - never argue, shout or fight with each other in front of the child.(he will learn that fighting is the best solution to solve a problem).

4) Provide a healthy and compulsory breakfast in the morning itself. (don't make it brunch please).

5) Educate your child regarding" good and bad touch. Make him/her feel free to reveal if something goes wrong with him/her.

6) Don't let your maid change clothes or give a bath to a school going child. (maintain privacy always).

7) Ask your child to stand in front of a mirror and hold his tie and say" I am the best" everyday. (this improves self-confidence).

8) Children reciprocate what you give them - say" good, they will be" very good. If you say" very good" he/she will be excellent. 

9) Don't consider your child a stage performer to perform in front of guests. (they will be more shy and get guest phobia).

10) Never talk bad about your child's teacher (s) or school in front of them. (this will create a bad attitude towards the teachers/school).

11) Ask the opinion and suggestions of your child while taking decisions whenever possible. (this improves self-esteem).