Being a parent includes a lot of joy, but it can also come with a lot of challenges. One common challenge that parents face is toilet training their children. As a parent of a child with autism, you may have extra challenges to face when it comes to toilet training. ACES is here to help! We specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is an effective treatment option for children with autism. ABA therapy can help your child learn the skills necessary for successful toilet training.

Ensure Your Child is Comfortable on the Toilet

The first step to toilet training is ensuring that your child is comfortable on the toilet. If they are not, then they may be less likely to use it. A few things you can do to make your child more comfortable on the toilet include:

• Let them sit on the toilet with their clothes on to get used to the sensation.
• Put a step stool in front of the toilet so they can reach it.
• Add a soft cushion to the toilet seat for extra comfort.
• Encourage them to sit on the toilet for short periods of time, even if they don't use it.

Determine Times for Trips to the Bathroom

A good way to start toilet training is by taking your child to the bathroom at regular intervals throughout the day. A few times that you may want to take them include:

• After they wake up in the morning
• Before and after meals
• Before and after naps
• Before and after playing outside
• Before bedtime

Increase Fluid Intake

During toilet training, it's important that your child stays hydrated to help them have more regular bowel movements. Plus, it will ensure that they don't get constipated, which can be a common side effect of toilet training.

Rewards

A great way to encourage your child during toilet training is by offering rewards. You can offer their favorite treat or toy after they use the toilet successfully. You may also want to keep a chart to track their progress and offer larger rewards, such as a trip to the park, after they reach certain milestones.

ACES is here to help you with ABA therapy for toilet training your child with autism. Our experienced and compassionate team can help your child learn the skills necessary for successful toilet training.