Sensory issues encompass a family of disorders known as Sensory Processing Disorder. It includes modulation, dyspraxia, perception disorders and vestibular disorders, all considered to be a part of the autism spectrum, according to Babies Today magazine. If your child suffers from sensory issues, toilet training can be frustrating and difficult. The feelings, smells and sights associated with the bathroom may be frightening, so make sure he's ready for training and that you make special allowances for his disability.
Step 1
Wait until your child is psychologically ready to potty train, warns the SPD Companion, a resource for families with children afflicted with sensory processing disorder. Remember that her age doesn't have anything to with whether she is ready. Instead, look for signs of readiness, including the ability to stay dry for long periods of time, expressing distaste and discomfort for a soiled diaper, an interest in the toilet and bathroom and an ability to walk to and sit on the potty without help. Never attempt toilet training in times of high stress or change, which can cause your sensory processing disorder, or SPD, child to feel upset.
Step 2
Talk to your child about the different sensations that he might experience in using the toilet. For a child with SPD, the sense that his bladder is full or that he needs to use the bathroom may come late or not process effectively. Talk to him about feeling the need to go and, thus, going to the potty immediately. Then talk about the other facets of using the toilet, like the loud noise of flushing, the smells of the waste and the feeling of the seat and toilet paper. Go into a bathroom and let him experience the sounds and sights before he uses the toilet for the first time so he knows what to expect.
Step 3
Allow your child to choose her own underwear based on what she finds the most comfortable. Children with SPD can sometimes be aggravated by tags and seams, and she may prefer the comfort of diapers to her new underwear. Let her choose those with a favorite character so she's more likely and excited to wear them. Then, look for more comfortable bathroom supplies. Wet wipes may be more comfortable over toilet paper, and a padded seat may entice your child to use the toilet, says the BBB Autism Support Network.
Step 4
Avoid comparing the progress of your child to that of a child without SPD. Toilet training methods that work in only a day are inappropriate and frightening to a child with SPD. Take your time and make sure your child is entirely comfortable with using the bathroom before you insist on his being toilet trained. Give yourself and your child plenty of time; accidents will happen and you might be frustrated, but your SPD child will soon become used to the bathroom and use the toilet more efficiently.
