Autism and toilet training: frequently asked questions from parents

Our child uses the toilet at school, but refuses to do so at home. What should we do?

• It can be difficult for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to do at home something they learned to do at school. It might be helpful to teach them how to use a different toilet at school. Use the same words and ideas the teachers use at school. You may need to start with small steps at home. As a first step, simply go into the bathroom. Gradually add steps until they are using the toilet at home. Practice using the toilet in different bathrooms. Go to the toilet in shops and at other people's houses.

We thought we had a good potty training program for our daughter, but it's not working. What should we do now?

• There are several steps to follow.
  • Make sure there is no underlying medical reason. Speak with the pediatrician to check if she is constipated, or to inquire about possible dietary changes.
  • Review the toilet visit schedule to ensure you take her when she is likely to urinate or defecate.
  • Consider changing the reward. Make sure your daughter likes the reward. It's helpful to review the type of reward at least every 3 months, but you may need to do so more often.

I worked hard on potty training all weekend, but we made no progress. How long will this process take?

• Some people take a long time to master potty training. It's best to stay relaxed and patient. There's no deadline for potty training. It only needs to take up a small part of your life. You can take a break and try again when you have more energy and when your child seems ready. Remember that learning to use the toilet can be challenging. Practice at a time that works for you and your family. This way, you'll have the energy to teach this important skill in the long run.

Our family has tried to potty train our son, but he still wears diapers. What should we do?

• You may be able to benefit from the guidance of a professional with specialized training. There are doctors, psychologists, special education teachers, speech therapists, behavior analysts/specialists, and occupational therapists who can help children with ASD learn to use the toilet. These professionals could help your family achieve intensive toilet training. This is a method that can be successful with children with ASD, but it must be supervised by a professional. Remember that it can take a child a long time to master this complex and important skill.