potty training social skills stories

potty training in autism

Potty training is a very important stage in a child's life.

When potty training a normally developing child it is normal for a parent to give presents and praise to re-enforce good behavior. However, with autistic children, they do not usually react in the same way to positive re-enforcements such as praise and presents.

With autism this approach is not always appropriate.

autism social skills stories for potty training autistic children

Autistic children may not understand or recognize the need to use the potty or toilet. They may not understand why it is important to relieve themselves using the potty or toilet. This lack of social understanding is normal for autism it is part of the autism symptom: social communication, imagination and interaction deficits are common for autism.

Some autistic infants have delayed or no language and can not express themselves, this is also common in autism, communication deficits are a major problem for autistic infants.

All autistic's like routine and sameness and switching from nappy or diaper to toilet or potty is a change, which can be met with negativity.

As well as the switch to routine, for example nappy or diaper change to underwear and toilet or potty there are the other factors like the coldness of the toilet or noise of the flush that can un-settle an autistic child.

Autistic children are sensitive to stimuli, sight, sound, feel, taste and so on...

potty training and autism

Autistic children are aware visual learners, Instead of using words to communicate the importance of toilet training to autistic toddlers, it is best to utilize visuals cues like PECS cards or social skills stories.