Learning: How to create a potty training schedule

Method for creating a toilet training plan for autistic people.

It's possible that several people will be helping your child with potty training. This could involve family members, teachers, aides, and staff from their daily program. Everyone involved in the process should use the same vocabulary and routine to facilitate successful potty training. Having a written training plan can help your child progress. If everything is written down, everyone can use the same language and follow the same routine. A training plan might include the following details:

• Objectives: Communicate your objectives to your child's caregiver. Explain to this person the objective you are trying to achieve within a specific timeframe. For example, "The objective is for Allan to go to the toilet 15 minutes after meals and to sit on the toilet for 5 seconds."
• Routine: How often? Specify how often or at what time the child needs to go to the toilet. For example, "every hour, on the hour" or "15 minutes after eating/drinking." How long? Be sure to indicate how long your child can tolerate being on the toilet—they may only stay for 5 seconds at first.
• Vocabulary: Words: Use words your child can understand. For example, do you have any "secret codes" to indicate when to urinate? What words do you use to tell your child to go to the toilet?
• Locations: Where does your child go to the toilet?
• Details: Consider the lighting. Is it bright or dim? How does the light affect your child? Is there any noise in the bathroom (e.g., a fan)? What type of toilet paper do you use? Does the door need to be open or closed?
• People: Who accompanies your child to the toilet? Is there someone in the bathroom with your child, or is that person simply nearby?
• Resources: What resources do you use? Do you use a visual program? Does your child prefer listening to music or reading a book?
• Rewards: What activities does your child receive a reward for? What activities does he/she not receive one for? How do you reward your child for a job well done? What happens if your child does not receive any rewards?