How To Potty Train Children With Special Needs?

Parents often complain of difficulty potty training their children, but they may not realize that special-needs children require more effort to be fully potty trained. The vital part of potty training children with special needs is to take them to the potty frequently.

Frequent Potty Breaks

Ask your child every three to four hours if he is willing to go to the toilet. Even if he says no, (because it is a most common reply), take him for the potty break. This practice will make him habitual about potty breaks. But if this act gets too demanding for your child, then reduce the number of visits.

Track When They Go

You may keep a diary or a chart of when your child usually feels the urge to go to the toilet or when he soils himself. This tracking of visits can help you to gain a better understanding of your child.

Model Toilet Using Habits

This method is one of the most effective ways of potty training your child with special needs. Allow your child to see how other children and family members use the toilet and its related accessories. And ask him if he needs any support or guidance on toilet use. This narration will help your child to become confident as well as independent in terms of toilet training.

Understand Accidents Are The Part Of Process

It is essential to accept that children make mistakes even if they have been told about the thing several times. So your child, who needs extra support and care, may cause some harmless accidents too, like forgetting to flush after use, being unable to pull up the pants, etc. Be patient with your child and keep supporting him at every phase of difficulty. The use of positive practice will surely help you as well as your child.

When To Ask For Help

Understandably, it requires a lot of patience and support to teach children with special needs how to use the toilet. However, if you continue to have difficulty in training your child, consider getting professional help. In addition to the pediatricians, you can also approach occupational therapists, who can understand your child’s learning delays and work accordingly.

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