How to Potty Train an Autistic Child

With the epidemic of autism cases the last several years, many parents have found themselves with a non-verbal child still in diapers and nearing grade school. They are completely clueless how to teach these children how to use the bathroom, and expect (or pray) that one day the autistic child will show interest in the toilet like a 'normal' child (other than to wash it flush repeatedly) and magically train his or herself. The truth is, your child is probably comfortable in his or her diapers and the change of trying to use the potty like mommy or daddy is too stressful to attempt.

I have heard of autistic children in school who are still in diapers at age nine! Let's be honest, even a house-pet who doesn't understand language, can still be taught when and where to use the bathroom. So, why should it be any harder to teach your child (who is so much more important than an animal) these basics, regardless of their communicative skills? Do not underestimate your autistic child's ability to understand you, no matter how withdrawn.

Now, obviously if the child in question does not have the capacity to walk or physically control their limbs or muscles, these tips may not be feasible. Also, every autistic child is different and I can't guarantee it will work or that the results will be immediate. But for the majority, these techniques should at least get you on the right track. What makes me so sure? Well, I am the mother of a boy and a girl who were both diagnosed as autistic at age three who have had communication barriers (the boy has progressed to the point of mild Asperger's Syndrome and the girl has remained almost non-communicative), and were completely potty-trained in a surprisingly rapid manner once I discovered what would really work.