Toileting

Toileting

When do children toilet train?

All children develop at different times and stages. There is no "ideal time" to toilet train a child. Training a child with additional needs to use the toilet can be similar to training all children. There are some things to consider to train a child at a time when they are ready. There are a few signs that your child is developmentally ready to become toilet trained, to help reduce the incidence of daytime wetting. [show_more more='Read More' less=Less]

They can follow instructions, either visually or verbally

If your child can follow instructions, it is a sign that they are closer to the stage of readiness. These instructions can be given either visually or verbally. This will help towards their understanding of how to use the toilet.

They show an interest in independence

Interest in independence is a sign that your child is ready to toilet train. If your child is moving towards a level of independent exploration, it is a sign that they are willing to become independent with their toilet use.

They are aware of wet or soiled diapers or clothes

Having a sensory awareness of soiled diapers and clothing is also a sign that your child is ready to become toilet trained.

How do you toilet train a child?

Various strategies can be used to help a child become comfortable with toileting, to reduce the risk of daytime wetting. Many strategies can work with any child. The following strategies can specifically benefit a child with additional needs.

Make the most of curiosity

You may start to notice that your child is interested in the toilet or the sensory feeling of soiled clothing if daytime wetting has occurred. Training your child during this time of curiosity can help in the process of training.

Make communication about toileting needs easy

Making use of various communication strategies can help a child to learn to toilet. Many children with special needs find it challenging to communicate their needs, leading to daytime wetting. Teaching your child communication strategies for using the toilet can encourage this process. These strategies include both your communication with your child and a way for your child to communicate their need for the toilet with you. This may be through the use of physical objects, symbols or sign language. Using visual communication aids such as a now and next board can be very beneficial. It's important to maintain consistency and move at your child's pace. PECS are also a good strategy.

Reward your child

Rewards are important for children if daytime wetting has been avoided. This is especially true for children who are learning a new behaviour. Children with sensory processing needs may enjoy the feeling of wetting themselves. Slowly introducing your child to the bathroom and reinforcing desired behaviour through rewards can help to overcome this. This can be done in gradual steps. Every time your child displays behaviour that is close to using the toilet, you provide their desired reward. It is important to remember that every milestone should be celebrated, not solely the complete act of using the toilet. The changing mat range such as the Care Designs Blue Teenage Changing Mat, manufactured from neoprene to provide cushioning, with a built-in elastic strap to ease transportation. [/show_more]