Potty Training Kristy Kuehn Heather Wilson Why Toilet

Potty Training Kristy Kuehn Heather Wilson

Why Toilet Train? Family Community School/Social Relationships

Health Related Concerns GI Track Diet

Linking Home and School Parent commitment-what has been attempted, data collecting Consistent practices-family beliefs and approaches Early pattern detection-dry overnight, at least 2 hours

Am I Ready To Use The Potty? Age-mental and chronological (after 4 a priority) Show interest Physically able to sit Remain dry for 2 hours/overnight*still attempt after 4 years old

Present Level Data Collection Charting pattern of elimination at home and school for 2 weeks Interpret data to detect patterns Making data a realitycreating a schedule Communicating patterns to parents

Time For The Toilet Setting up the bathroom Free of distraction Foot stool Books Picture schedule Timer Potty seat Reward Dressing Elastic band pants Diapers vs. underwear w/ rubber pants Rubber band for shirt – (Frequently feeling wet/soiled clothing against the skin for lengthy periods of time will desensitize the person to the discomfort of that sensation)

Bathroom Must Haves!

Reward System Why rewardincreased chances of success, fun How to reward- strict & structured What- individual and powerful When-immediately *if then reward poster individualized*

Facts To Know Before You Sit No reward for sitting-only reward for elimination Always finish routine Follow original schedule for 1 week before changing Most common reason for failure-is failure to develop a schedule and stick to it Common and consistent language

Here I Come Potty! Initiate w/ visual cue card “potty time” Guide through routine with visual schedule Sit for 3 minutes-unless elimination occurs Books can be used while sitting Complete entire routine w/out reward if elimination doesn’t occur Record on elimination record Repeat at next scheduled time Midpoint check-optional reward if dry

Common Obstacles Resistance of the bathroom Resistance of the toilet Afraid of flushing Overly interested in flushing Bad aim Resistance to being wiped Playing in the toilet Playing with toilet paper Negative reaction to taking away the diaper Accidents

You Asked? Pairing the bathroom with positive experience Practice sitting with clothes on, use potty seat on the floor (separate chair), provide stabilizing device Only flush when elimination occurs Introduce flushing when child not near the toilet Give visual/verbal warning for flushing Physically cover handle to remove from their sight Indicate on visual schedule when & how many times to flush; add visual cue to handle Use target in water/food coloring-personal discretion Use baby wipes, clothes or practice with doll Give water toy as distraction from playing with water or lap-desk Remove toilet paper if big problem, roll out ahead of time, green/red tape start and stop on wall for pulling toilet paper Placing diaper over underpants…gradually cutting away portions, preteaching and rewarding wearing underwear Be calm-firmly say “Pants wet Yucky” followed by toileting routine

Building Independence • Personal pocket pictures • Gradually remove rewards • Fade physical presence • Social story

I have to go in THERE… Continue with visuals! 1. Slow introduction-visit w/out any interactions; repeat 3 times 2. Try one interactionhand washing, flushing, paper towels 3. Complete entire routine 4. You DID it!!!!!

Night Time Nastiness Begin ONLY after daytime is successful Stop fluids 3 hours before bedtime MUST have consistent nighttime routine (ex: bath, pj’s, toilet) Immediately complete bathroom routine upon awakening If necessary, pattern wet/soil during the night in order to wake the child for bathroom

I’m A Big Kid Now…Let’s Party!

References • • • Books: Exkorn, Karen Siff. (2005). The Autism Sourcebook. New York, NY. : Harper. Collins. Tilton, Adelle Jameson. (2004). The Everything Parent’s Guide to Children with Autism. Avon, Mass. : Adams Media. Wheeler, M. (1998). Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Related Disorders. Arlington, Tx. : Future Horizons. Websites: Applying structured teaching principles to toilet training. Retrieved November 1 st, 2007 from Teacch Autism Program. http: //www. teacch. com/toilet. html Autism and Toilet Training. Retrieved November 1 st, 2007 from Behavior Advisor. http: //www. behavioradvisor. com/Autism&Toileting. html Toilet Training. Retrieved November 2 nd, 2007 from The Autism Home Page. http: //groups. msn. com/The. Autism. Home. Page/toilettraining. msnw Other: Coucouvanis, Judith. (2006). Toilet Training the Child with Special Needs (Conference).