Toilet Training Children / Adults

🚽 Challenges for Neurodiverse Children

Toilet training can be trickier for neurodiverse children due to:

• Physiological Issues: Constipation, motor skills, and balance difficulties.

• Sensory and Emotional Responses: Heightened emotional responses and sensory processing difficulties (sensitivity to light, sound, smells, or textures like hand dryers/flushing).

• Cognitive/Awareness: Difficulty understanding body cues and toilet refusal/sensitivities.

💡 Key Readiness Signs

Toilet training is most effective when it is child-led, which may occur closer to age 3. Readiness signs include:

• Dressing and undressing without help.

• Understanding simple one- to two-step instructions.

• Sitting on a chair independently.

• Recognising when they have soiled their nappy.

• Showing bodily awareness (e.g., squirming, seeking privacy).

• An interest in the toileting process.

✅ Simple & Effective Strategies

• Prioritize Bowel Health: Aim for soft, daily bowel movements without straining, ensuring good water intake and fibre in the diet.

• Positioning and Equipment: Use a toilet seat insert and a footstool (to position knees higher than hips), or start with a potty.

• Sitting: Encourage boys to sit when learning to wee.

• Language: Talk openly, read fun books, and keep language positive—avoiding "yuck" messages.

• Observation: Let your child observe others (open toilet door policy).

🧘 Supporting Without Stress

• Timing: Avoid starting during other major life changes (e.g., moving house, new sibling).

• Positive Reinforcement: Praise effort and attempts, not just success. Use rewards or star charts.

• Mindset: Call mistakes “leaks” instead of “accidents.” Never show disappointment or punish.

• Routine & Normalization: Build routines (e.g., sitting after meals, every 2 hours) and point out toilets when out to normalize using different ones.

🤝 When to Seek Help

If parents need extra support, they can reach out to:

• Specialized Therapists: Occupational Therapists or Physiotherapists focusing on bowel and bladder health.

• Medical Professionals: GPs, Paediatricians, or Gastroenterologists for issues related to bowel movements or constipation.