potty training w/ low functioning - Autism Spectrum Message Board

sheymama · 06-13-2003, 08:06 AM

Hi, I'm new to this board. I want to start potty training with my son who turns 4y.o. in Oct,has no word. Currently he goes to special ed at local public school and I was told that we should start when he get ready by his teacher. But, my son is big and I'm sure that it's gonna be hard to find his diaper which costs a lot.

I don't know how to begin since he doesn't understand
any verbal cues or anything. Is there anybody has gone through this with low functionning? Help!!

LeslieC · 06-14-2003, 06:29 AM

Hi Sheymama,
I know what you are going through, believe me. My son is almost 7 and has been fully potty trained only since he was five. It may take another year or so for your son as well. The direction that I would take is to meet with his teacher and discuss utilizing a VISUAL program. What I mean is, use an icon system (Picture Exchange System/ PECS) In the bathroom at school and at home- it is sooo important to be consistent and use exactly the same program so as not to confuse your son.We had posterboard and on it were pictures of each step of the training process, like pull down pants, pull down underwear, sit on toilet ETC. The icons or "pictures", if you will, were cartoon-like but realistic enough for him to understand the action that was expected of him. We also "time-trained" him. That means that we started taking him to the bathroom every 5 minutes and went throught he whole ritual, even if he didn't "go" and praised him ALOT. Then gradually increased the time alottment.It was very tedious but one day it all came together for him. Very happy day for me, believe me!
I am sure that I am missing key information. Maybe someone else can add to this, but my point is that my child (and yours too, I imagine) is a very visual learner. Using verbal cues at this early stage of the potty training, is not really helpful for them.
Good luck, I'm sure your son will be sucessful

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Leslie, Mom to Tristan 6 autistic and Lucas 8 NT

mommylovesherautisicchild · 06-16-2003, 04:40 PM

hi,
I went through the same thing with my four year old. The PECS system really does work. I give my daughter a card with a toilet it on it and the words "need to go potty" on it, so when she is fully trained she can give me the card to let me know she has to go. She is doing very well with it. She wears real panties not pull ups because they feel like diapers. When I started I took her every 30 mins. then every hour then every hour and a half, now she goes every 2 hours. she still has accidents but not everyday but this is only with the pee. Now poo poo is different. I have to look for signs. Then she goes on the potty. So far so good. She will be done sooner then I thought. My daughter is very visual and has little words but does sign langage very well. I hope this helps and god bless you and your family. Take one day at a time and your child will blossom one day.
crystal

sheymama · 06-18-2003, 04:56 AM

LeslieC and mommylovesherautisicchild,

thank you for your repling. We're gonna try while Summer Vacation. Since his Summer school started on Monday, I will talk to his teacher about it today.
It takes time and we have to bear with him. Wish me luck!

Thank you for helping me