Toileting

Teaching toileting skills to your child can be one of the most frustrating experiences for parents of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. A child’s inability to use the toilet independently can lead to limited community engagement, extensive support to manage themselves, poor opportunities for functional independence, and associated challenging behavior.

CCSN’s treatment model focuses on skill acquisition that allows for individuals to experience ongoing success and move toward independent functioning. Although toileting challenges are complex, they are treatable with intensive, evidence-based therapeutic supports.

Assessment and Treatment Process

Before a program is developed and after medical clearance is obtained, families complete an interview and a toileting log designed to collect data on:

• Type of toileting accident
• Frequency and timing of accidents
• Environmental analysis of accidents
• Daytime versus nighttime patterns
• Current family practices regarding toileting
• Presence or absence of any challenging behavior

Following the initial assessment and analysis, a treatment plan is developed in collaboration with the clinician and the family to deliver a tailored intervention strategy for the child.

While all interventions are individualized, some common treatment components include:

• Type of toileting accident
• Desensitization to the toileting routine
• Teaching the child physical cues that signal the need to use the toilet
• Building prompted and independent initiations to use the toilet
• Teaching proper hygiene including wiping, flushing, and hand washing
• Developing functional and acceptable reinforcement systems to support independent toileting skills

No person is born with independent toileting skills. With expert support, families can help their child achieve this important developmental milestone.