Knowing how and when to potty train your child is commonly an issue that challenges parents with special-needs children, according to Mark Wolraich, author of "American Academy of Pediatrics: Guide to Toilet Training." Determining when the child is ready is often similiar to determining the readiness of a child without special needs; however, the time frame for training, methods and equipment used are most likely going to differ.
Readiness
According to Wolraich, like any child who will be going through potty training, it is important to look for signs of readiness. While your child may not show all signs of readiness, it is important that they show some. Initiating potty training when a child is not ready is often counterproductive. Wolraich offers signs of readiness, including: awareness of staying dry, ability to stay dry for two hours, ability to sense the need to go to the bathroom, ability to undress and motivation, on some level, to begin using the toilet.
Considerations
Wolraich recommends that parents of children with disabilities enlist support once they determine their child's readiness to toilet train. Your child's pediatrician, and other professionals, may be able to offer insight particular to your child and situation. They may be able to recommend special equipment. The pediatrician may be able to offer a physical assessment of your child's readiness as well as discuss the possible impact of any medications your child is taking. Some medications can cause constipation, increased urination or even cause pain with urination.
In "The No-Cry Potty Training Solution," Elizabeth Pantley echoes Wolraich's recommendation to seek support. Seeking input not just from professionals, but also from other parents of children with similiar needs, can provide you with valuable information.
Having a support network available will be important as you and your child embark on the training process. Potty training can become a frustrating journey, and having someone who can offer moral support will be beneficial not just for you, but your child as well.
Time Frame
Children with special needs often begin the toilet training process later than other children. Completing the process can take from several months to a year. Many children with special needs won't complete toilet training until age 5 or later, according to Wolraich.
Physical Disabilities
While a child without disabilities typically develops bowel and bladder control by age 3, a child with physical disabilities is often delayed in this area, according to an article by Diane Stafford and Jennifer Shoquist, M.D., on the Dummies.com site.
Dr. Wolraich reminds parents of children with physical disabilities that, while it is easy to become distracted by the need for special equipment or physical support, it is important to remember the child's need for cognitive and emotional support. As with all children, it is important to talk about using the potty, let the child observe you using the potty and offer praise for even small steps forward.
Determining the special equipment needed to help your particular child succeed at potty training warrants discussion with a professional, such as your pediatrician, physical therapist or occupational therapist. According to Stafford and Shoquist, equipment needed can include grab bars beside the toilet, a custom or modified potty chair, a self-inflating cushion to assist child in getting out of wheelchair, a special footstool, back support, side-rails or armrests.
Developmental Delays
Dr. Wolraich encourages you to train children with developmental delays one step at a time. Trying to teach your child too many steps at once--going to the potty, undressing, pottying, wiping, dressing, washing hands--is likely to be unsuccessful. Focus on the actual elimination first; the rest can come later.
Dr. Wolraich advises checking your child hourly and announcing, in a neutral fashion, "wet" or "dry." Allow the child to accompany you to the bathroom and, after finishing, announce, "dry!" Once you start bringing the child to the potty, do so hourly, gradually reducing the visits to times he is most likely to eliminate. When your child does go potty, provide praise, and consider using food treats as a reward. Eventually, the treats can be phased out.
References
- "The No-Cry Potty Training Solution"; Elizabeth Pantley; 2007
- "American Academy of Pediatrics: Guide to Toilet Training"; Mark L. Wolraich; 2003
- Dummies.com: Potty Training Children With Disabilities
