Learning: How to Create a Potty Schedule

Method for creating a potty training schedule for autistic people. Several people may be helping your child with toilet training. This training may involve family members, teachers, caregivers, and daily program staff. Everyone involved in this process should use the same vocabulary and routine to facilitate toilet training success. Having a written teaching plan can help your child progress. If everything is written down, everyone will be able to use the same language and follow the same routine. A teaching plan could include the following details: Goals: Communicate your goals to your child's caregiver. Explain to them the goal you are trying to achieve in a specific time period. For example, "The goal is for Allan to go to the bathroom 15 minutes after eating, and to sit on the toilet for 5 seconds." Routine: How often? Mention how often or when the child needs to go to the toilet. For example, "every hour, on the hour" or "15 minutes after drinking/eating." For how long? Be sure to indicate how long your child can tolerate being on the toilet—it may be as short as 5 seconds at first. Vocabulary: Words: Use words your child can understand. For example, do you have "secret codes" for urination? What words do you use to tell your child to go to the bathroom? Places: Where does your child go to the toilet? Details: Think about the lights. Are they bright or dim? How does the light affect your child? Are there any noises in the bathroom (e.g., a fan)? What type of toilet paper do you use? Should the door be open or closed? People: Who accompanies your child to the bathroom? Is there someone in the bathroom with your child, or is that person just nearby? Resources: What resources do you use? Do you use a visual program? Does your child prefer to listen to music or read a book? Rewards: What activities does your child receive a reward for? What activities does your child not receive a reward for? How do you reward your child for a job well done? What happens if your child doesn't receive a reward?