Potty Training and Autism

Posted on August 29, 2012March 9, 2020

I received this email from Gina S. from Illinois regarding potty training her boyfriend’s daughter who has been diagnosed with Autism. Please review her question and my response. Gina has indicated that she is open to suggestions and feedback from all of you and is open to hearing your strategies.
Looking forward to your ideas!
____________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Dr. Mathis,
I saw your profile on Parents.com & I realize you’re based in New Jersey but I just wanted to ask for recommended literature. My long-time boyfriend has a 6 yr old daughter with Autism–plagued with severe sensory issues, and currently now takes 0.5 ml of Risperdal daily for extremely aggressive behaviors toward her peers when angry. Now those behaviors have almost been totally extinguished at this point, and as a totally nonverbal child until 2010 she just began to talk, single repeated words, then in phrases & now uses language constantly over the past 1 year of being on this medication–she is basically a chatter box now as she practices trying out new words, sings, and shows-off her adorable voice.

She is quite low-functioning in some areas that relate to handling difficult sensory experiences therefore potty training has been totally impossible. She hates the toilet, sitting on it is very distressing for he no matter what potty, where it is, etc. She’s just fine eliminating on the floor if her pull-ups are removed (or even if they’re not & she’s having a breakdown).

As the girlfriend to her father and the next most vital part of the home support system for her along with her mother & father, I want to know if its even possible to imagine this child being potty trained? How? And how do we begin approaching this at home in our own way of making it as comfortable as possible—while of course following all routines set-forth by her IEP plans/school specialists/parents/doctors?

No one has given a definite yes or no to even the physical possibility of fully potty training her, but all involved agree that this is such a huge burden, such an unresolved issue as she’s constantly struggling with demanding to change or not wanting to change her pull-up.

I need to find some real solid clinical research and information for my own knowledge.
I truly don’t know if it’s possible at this point, but I want to be as informed as possible.
Thanks so much for considering these questions & possibly directing me to the most valuable and relevant journals, research and info available!

Sincerely,
Gina S.
Illinois, USA

Dr. Liz’s response:
Hi Gina,
I really commend you on seeking information for your boyfriend’s daughter.

Your next best source of info is to consult with the child’s occupational therapist who can advise about actual sitting on the toilet and the pull up given her knowledge about your boyfriend’s daughter’s sensory profile. For example, she/he may suggest giving deep pressure prior to sitting on the toilet. She may also give you insight into why she may actually enjoy the wetness that comes with a full pull up. She may be hypo-reactive to sensation on her skin and enjoys the feedback.

The other variable in effect here is the anxiety associated with the actual letting go of her feces and urine into the toilet. Keep in mind that toilet training is a big control issue and you want it to be as much on her terms with lots of praise but in line with her sensory needs.

In terms of is it possible for her to become potty trained, the answer is absolutely but it will take time. I’m sure you read my response to the potty training question on Parents.com and saw that there is a long list of strategies and possibilities.

Don’t get too lost in the literature but rather in engaging with the little girl and understanding her experience. This will give you far more useful information than the books and articles that you think are going to offer you the solution.

Good luck and please write to me as you gain info from the occupation a therapist and as you venture out on the potty training adventure!

Sincerely,

Dr. Liz Matheis

"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"

- Julie C.

"Dr. Matheis has a remarkable ability to understand the unique needs of her patients and address them constructively. She builds strong, meaningful relationships with patients and their families, encouraging trust and collaboration. When working with my son who struggles with autism-related anxiety, she created an environment in which he was able to calm down and open up to her in ways I had not seen before. She was able to reach him and helped him work through his crisis/problem. Most importantly, she empowered him to move forward."

- N.L.

"Dr. Matheis is amazing. She has tremendous resources and loads of energy. She is not willing to accept anything less than the most effective results for her clients. She made me feel as if my son was her top priority throughout the entire process. I would, without reservation, give her my highest recommendations. Thank you, Dr. Matheis!"

- Anonymous

"Dr. Matheis has an amazing ability to read kids and connect with them. She has been an invaluable resource for our family over the past several years and has helped us with everything from educational consulting, to uncovering diagnoses as well as family therapy. Working with Dr. Matheis never feels clinical and most importantly, our children love and trust her. We can not thank you enough Dr. Liz!"

- Anonymous

"My teenage son had been seeing Dr. Matheis through his senior year of high school, as he was only diagnosed with ADHD at 16 years old. Dr. Matheis came highly recommended from our pediatrician and she has done wonders for our son as well as our family, navigating new ways for him to deal with his diagnosis without the use of medication. She taught him ways to organize himself and even when something did not work for him, she patiently continued teaching him new ways to keep himself on track. She has also helped us as parents to understand how his mind works so that we did not continue to blame his lack of focus on him, rather on his unique way of thinking. Thank you Dr. Matheis!!!!"

- LG

"Dr. Liz is the best! Our family was directed to her by our Pediatrician to assist with figuring out severe mood changes, severe anxiety, strange new fears and food aversion that had come onto one of our children literally overnight. After just a couple of visits, she suggested that the issues may actually be rooted in a physical issue and suggested we immediately take our child to be swabbed for strep, because Dr. Liz suspected PANDAS (a pediatric autoimmune disorder brought on by strep). The same Pediatrician that suggested Dr. Liz would not do the swab (they do not believe in PANDAS and we no longer go there) but I took my child to my doctor who did the swab and it was positive for strep. When our child went on antibiotics, within 24 hours all symptoms went away and our child was back :-) Dr. Liz then recommended a PANDAS specialist who helped us and our child is in complete remission and is happy and healthy. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Liz for her knowledge of all things, even the most remote and unusual and for helping us so much! Thank you!"

- Anonymous

"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"

- Anonymous

"Thank you, Dr. Liz. Although we have told you countless times, it will never feel enough. You have listened when J could barely speak and continued to listen when he was sad, angry and confused. You've challenged him and directed us in our roles as parents. You've helped J face his fears while the list evolved and changed, and yet you've stayed committed to 'the course.' We pray that your children realize that time away from them is spent helping children learn and that vulnerability is a sign of strength and bravery."

- June I

"My son was admitted to an Ivy League school when only 2 years ago, you assessed him and saw his struggles, his Dyslexia. We are grateful that he no longer has to carry that deep feeling of inadequacy or shame that must have kept him so self conscious and from reaching his potential. He has the PERFECT program for him. He has A's in high math and economics. He became a Merit Scholar, a Boys State legislature, the HEAD captain of the football team and help a job ALL while studying and managing his classes and disability. I am PROUD of you, a young doctor, who knows and sees the vulnerability of children and helps them recognize "it's NO big deal" God bless."

- Anonymous

Potty Training and Autism

Learn More About Dr. Liz!

Subscribe to our Mailing List

Sitemap

Where to find us