Potty training was so much easier with my older kids. My oldest son had the potty mastered before he reached 2 years and my girls both took a little longer but had it down before 2 1/2 years. Of course they weren't living with an ASD and were able to communicate their needs clearly. DeAndre is another story. He's 5 years old now and we are still working with him and the potty training. I will admit I do have my moments of frustration, as does the rest of the family, but I know he's getting there. Patience with him is important.In the mornings he knows to head straight to the toilet, he lifts and uses it, then flushes and goes straight to the face bowl to wash his hands. I'm thankful he knows to do that much. When he's at school they have their bathroom breaks and his teacher has reported that he does good and goes with no problems then other times he doesn't (thank goodness for Pullups). It's the same when he's at home. I have to watch for his signals and if I don't catch him in time he goes, Pullup on or not. He has the morning pee thing down to a science but it's getting him to realize he has to do this throughout the day when he has to go.
The other potty issue is the bowel movement. When he was a bit younger he would go in his sister's (my now 11 year old) closet (why he chose her closet we could never figured out) and close the door. If none of us were around to catch this he'd do his do and have it spread all over her closet walls and OMG not to mention if he got to close to her clothes. No it wasn't a pretty sight and I always insisted to be the one to clean it up (mommy will do it), so an added chore or chores for me it was. In time he learned that that was not a good thing to do. No he hasn't mastered sitting on the toilet to do his do yet so we also have to watch for his signal when he's ready to go for this to. For some reason he has to go in any room in the house as long as the door closes. When I hear a door close I know instantly that its time. I guess the close door thing when he has to have a bowel movement is his way of saying he wants some privacy. Of course if we don't catch him in time he goes right in his underwear or Pullups but thank God he doesn't spread it all over the place anymore.
We've tried doing the reward thing and scheduled bathroom times. When he goes he always gets praises for going or even making the effort. I'm investing in a new e-Tablet since he seems to enjoy his InnoTab (touch pad for stories and games). Then I can down load the communication apps I've heard about and maybe this will help be able to communicate his need to go before hand. He'll like the idea of being able to press the buttons anyway, lol. I'm also taking any and all suggestions that may help with this. He doesn't talk but uses certain gestures to tell us what he wants or needs. Please don't hesitate to share what worked for you or may work for me by commenting.
No my baby doesn't have it down but he's getting there slowly but surely.
All I have is patience and love :)
All I have is patience and love :)
----------------------
Join Us On Facebook
Autism And Us
