You may be ready to potty train your developmentally delayed child, but he may still face challenges that can upset his toileting progress. The SPD Companion notes that it is more important to know that your developmentally delayed child is physically, socially and psychologically ready to try using the toilet, instead of just taking his age into account. If you anticipate some of the toileting problems he may have before they occur, you can make potty training a more comfortable experience for him.
Undressing
A developmentally delayed child may not have the hand-eye coordination necessary to undress in order to go to the bathroom, notes Dr. Robert Needlman, specialist in pediatric behavior and development. Her small and physically delayed fingers may have trouble grasping the buttons and snaps, resulting in an accident. Ensuring that she is dressed in easy-to-remove pants, skirts, tights or underwear can make it easier for her to undress and get dressed again after using the potty.
Sensory Problems
Children suffering from autism, Asperger's syndrome or sensory processing disorder may find toileting a scary and unpleasant experience, says the SPD Companion. This is because their senses, like touching, seeing, hearing and even smelling, can be affected by the process of using a toilet. They may be scared of the sound or sensitive to bathroom smells. These may cause him to become frightened of using the potty and resistant to becoming potty trained.
Bladder Control
Some developmentally delayed children may have trouble with bladder control. While most preschoolers can "hold" their bladder until they get to the bathroom, a child with a weaker bladder or less control may not be able to. She also may have trouble going on cue, like before a trip to the store. She may sit on the toilet and not be able to go on command as most children can.
Vocalizing Need
Some children whose developmental delays center mostly on speech and vocalization simply may have problems telling your when they have to go. While other children who need help can ask, he may not know how to tell you when he has to go to the bathroom. Teaching him to use sign language or pointing to a picture of a toilet can help you to understand when he needs to go to the bathroom, as well as when he needs assistance to do so.
Forgetting
Your developmentally delayed child may just have problems with forgetting the process of using the toilet. Certain disorders may cause her to become confused at the process when she attempts it on her own. This, in turn, can cause accidents or cause her to revert back to diapers. Instead, AutismToday.com suggests that you color a poster to hang in the washroom for a more visual learner to remember the process. The pictures will tell her the right order so that she doesn't forget what to do if you aren't there to help.
