Potty Training

[MOM2CHRISTIAN]

My son will be five on Feb 5th. He's not yet potty trained. We've tried using pictures and signs. After each diaper change, we place him in front of the toilet. Sometimes he will pee! Christian is nonverble, and he dosen't use any signs. I know every child is different, ex autistic children. I was just wondering if anyone has any advice they may offer me? What is the average age of a child with autism being potty trained????

[CeleRate]

I don't know what the statistics are for when children with autism become potty trained, but 5 is certainly old enough. Unless there is a medical reason for not being able to remain continent, everyone can learn. If you can find it, try to get the book "Toilet Training Persons with Developmental Disabilities: a rapid program for day and nighttime independent toileting" by Foxx and Azrin.

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[Dave]

If you want to get an idea of age, my son is seven and still in diapers. We take him to the bathroom and they do the same at school and we reward him, but he still makes no initiative of his own. Like my other "normal" children I am assuming at this point that I can't make him want to go to the bathroom on his own, he has to make the choice is some small way for himself at some point. I know I don't want to be changing his diapers for more years to come. Most people seem to potty train at around 5 though.

[Jamies mom]

My son Jamie is 5 and also nonverbal. He does not communicate with sign or PECS. He is finally almost completely potty trained after trying on and off since he was three. This summer I left him in shorts and began taking him potty every 45-1 hour minutes if he didn't pee then we went again in 30 minutes. After about 2 months of this he was still having accidents and would only go when I took him. About September he began going to the toilet (pee) on his own initiative. Now he also goes poop in the toilet on his own. The only problem is he has no way to tell us he has to go when we are not home. Also when he poops he needs help to wipe and if your not there it can be a big mess! I agree with Dave that you can't make your child go on his own they have to want to go! We also made a point of leting Jamie watch when my husband would go pee and saying Daddy goes pee pee in the toilet. Jamie go pee pee like daddy. ( not recomended if your modest). Hope this helps and Good luck!