# data[].attributes.body
These visuals are from the ERIC site however, you may feel that photos or something more meaningful would be better rather than generic symbolic representations. Use the visuals sequence to make your own if you want something bespoke.

# data[].attributes.body
This little video is about Poo who wants to go home.

# data[].attributes.body
The story of Poo in a PDF with colour in pictures

# data[].attributes.body
This little video talks about interoception and how to help children know when to go!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Toilet Training Step 3 Teach Kids to Recognize Body Signals | Gentle Potty Training for Parents

# data[].attributes.body
Understanding Getting Ready For Potty Training A guide for parents

# data[].attributes.body
This is advice from the Department of Education in consultation with senior health professionals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Help for early years providers : Toilet training

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This article was written by the Department for Education (DfE) in consultation with senior health professionals in the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).

# data[].attributes.body
The ERIC website has lots of advice information and resources for both parents and practitioners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Almost all children can learn to be clean and dry. Children with special needs including delayed development and physical disabilities may take a little longer and need more support. However, the process you need to follow is the same.

This can feel like a big challenge, but it's important not to put off potty training for too long. The longer your child wears a nappy, the harder it may be to introduce a new place for them to wee and poo.

There's information and tips on this page to support children with additional needs and sensory issues.

How to potty train your child with additional needs?

We recommend breaking potty training into stages and tailor your approach on their abilities.

Our 3 step Let's Go Potty approach has been developed to suit all children and abilities. This includes children with autism, ADHD, developmental delay, cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome.

Potty training with autism

There is no evidence that suggests autism causes delayed potty training. However, autistic children may be more likely to struggle to learn potty training skills due to sensory problems or learning disabilities.

They may also be more likely to suffer from constipation. If your child is autistic, research suggests that starting learning in infancy and avoiding constipation is the best way to avoid problems in the future. Get more information about supporting autistic children who have constipation.

One of the hardest things for many autistic children to cope with is a sudden change in routine or habit. This is why the more you can do before you stop using nappies the better, to help make this transition as gentle as possible for them.

Our Let's Go Potty approach has been designed to help your child make this transition whatever their needs are.

Potty training and delayed speech

Non-verbal and neurodivergent children can't always communicate their thoughts and feelings. This means you can't rely on their signals to tell you when they're ready to potty train.

You may need to take more responsibility for knowing how often your child goes for a wee or poo and using this to help direct them.

Here's what we recommend doing to help your child learn this skill:

Complete a bladder/bowel assessment chart so you can see how often they are doing a wee or poo. (Make sure any underlying constipation is treated.)

Base your potty or toilet routine based on this information. Take them at set times according to what the chart tells you.

If they wet themselves at another time, take them to the toilet as quickly as possible and try to get them there so some of the wee goes into the toilet. Ignore the wetting and positively reinforce that the wee has gone into the toilet and continue the rest of the toileting routine.

Use verbal and visual clues. Introduce simple books on the subject consistently using the signs, sounds or words that your child can use. Reinforce verbal clues with a visual clue - use photos, drawings, pictures, images and social stories when preparing them to use the potty. Using these images to create visual schedules will make it easy for your child to follow the new routine and make it more predictable.

Using sign language for common toileting words and phrases can also reinforce learning.

Potty training children with Down syndrome

We are delighted to be partnering with Down Syndrome UK and Positive about Down syndrome to share their fantastic #Pants4school Step by Step Programme. Enabling children with Down Syndrome to be toilet ready for school and reach their full potential.

Download the programme today! (opens in new browser).

Tips for children with additional needs

Your child may take longer to learn each stage, so consider your expectations and don't rush the learning.

Focus on one stage at a time. For example, teach them that poo goes down the toilet by flushing it away together.

Be as consistent as possible. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be for your child to learn.

It's important that your child feels relaxed, comfortable and secure about using the toilet or potty. Make sure the space is accessible to your child. An Occupational Therapist (OT) can help with practical adaptations.

Think about your child's sensory needs and how these relate to using the bathroom. Adjusting the sensory input can make a difference for many children to help them to learn toileting skills.

If you start with the toilet you should use a footstool to help your child feel confident and safe. This will also help your child get into the best position for doing wees and poos, with their feet supported and knees above hips.

Help your child learn the physical skills needed by breaking them down into smaller steps and allowing your child to do the last step independently. For example, help them push their trousers down most of the way, then have them push the last bit down themselves. Same when pulling them up again.

Encourage independence as soon as you see it developing, phasing out support once your child shows competence.

Use stories, visual charts, props and games to teach your child what to do and how to do it. Make your own learning aid by taking photos of your bathroom, drawing pictures of the steps, or by searching on the Internet for visual routines. A standard routine could be: 1.Undress 2. Underwear down 3. Sit 4. Do wee/poo, 5. Wipe, 6. Pull up underwear, 7. Pull up trousers/dress, 8. Flush toilet, 9. Wash hands.

Give your child positive encouragement and praise for the efforts they are making, not just the result. This can help to keep them motivated and willing to move to the next step.

FAQs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Potty training children with additional needs - ERIC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information on potty training for children with additional needs and sensory issues including delayed development, ASD and physical disabilities who may take a little longer to become toilet trained.

# data[].attributes.body
Norfolk SENIASS services can offer support and signposting for families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Norfolk SEND Partnership. Norfolk SEND Partnership offer information and advice to children, young people and parents/carers about special

# data[].attributes.body
This App has in-app purchases

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Potty Whiz: Potty Training Log – Apps on Google Play

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Turn your child into a potty trained whiz in no time!

# data[].attributes.body
This OT guide does not talk about age in relation to potty training but more about signs they are ready.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 signs your youngster is ready for potty training

# data[].attributes.body
This is a comprehensive guide to supporting an autistic child with potty training and considers some important points that you have not have thought about previously when potty training.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Autism & Potty Training! Why Your Child Struggles & How To Master It! With Expert OT Insight!!

# data[].attributes.body
Support for children who are not aware of their body signals when wanting to use the toilet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This is a follow up article to the blog post titled This Hidden Sense Affects Potty Training and Toilet Accidents in Older Kids.
Helping children who are struggling with toileting should be approached as more of a marathon than a sprint. A child with toileting issues may actually be struggling with a little known sensory system called interoception.

Interoception refers to your ability to perceive and understand your internal sensations, like hunger, thirst, the need to use the bathroom, feeling hot or cold, and fatigue. If you understand what you are feeling, you can act to meet your need effectively. Many professionals, including doctors and occupational therapists, do not know about this 8 th sensory system, and consequently children can struggle with toileting throughout their youth. Obviously, this can stifle self-esteem and social relationships.

Working with your child from a view of long term gains rather than quick fixes will help you stay patient as your child begins to learn about their own body in a way that they have previously been unaware of.

Before you begin any program focused on Interoception Intervention, all parents need to talk to their physician to make sure there are no other physiological issues that could be causing the problem, such as infections or issues related to hormones that release at night that help prevent night wetting). This should always be the first step. After that, if it is determined that this is an interoception issue, there are things that can be done to address the immediate need and to work on the overall issue.

There are 5 Steps of Interoception Intervention (adapted from Kelly Mahler):

1) Educate

2) Implement adaptions for reduced interoceptive awareness

3) Notice sensations

4) Give sensations meaning
1 - Educate
5) Use interoception awareness to build related skills
2 - Implementing Adaptions
Parents: Learn as much as you can about interoception. Knowledge is power. Being better able to understand your child's experience, an experience of the world that is different than most people's, will mean you can help find more solutions while having more empathy.

Often a child with interoceptive deficits will present with toileting needs requiring immediate attention while they work on interventions to improve their overall interoceptive awareness. Your child may need a few adaptations to what is currently being implemented. Here are some suggestions that can make a big difference. For adaptations geared more towards your child's specific needs, please contact your Occupational Therapist.
3 - Notice Sensations 4 - Give Sensations Meaning 5 - Use Interoceptive Awareness to Build Related Skills These remaining three steps (steps 3-5) for Interoception Intervention are all areas that a family/individual should work on with a trained Occupational Therapist. It requires assessment of interoception and developing interventions designed for that individual. Specific interventions should be designed by and implemented with an Occupational Therapist trained in sensory processing. To work with a STAR Institute for SPD Occupational Therapist, please fill out the Child Intake Form Mim Ochsenbein, MSW, OTR/L has been a practicing pediatric occupational therapist for over 20 years. She has received advanced training in sensory processing (STAR Institute Intensive Mentorships, SIPT certification), listening therapy (Therapeutic Listening), feeding therapy (SOS) and infant massage (CIMI). Mim received her MSW in 2012. Her work with children and youth has occurred in a variety of settings including early intervention, school based, clinic based, mental health and private practice. In her role as STAR Insitute's Director of Education, Mim creates and teaches STAR Institute trainings, oversees SPD University, and provides educational programming and resources for clients and families. or find a therapist in your area by using the Treatment Directory.

Visual supports: Make a visual schedule of bathroom breaks (example: picture of bathroom sign related to child's identified gender with "Bathroom Breaks: 9:00, 11:00, 1:00, 3:00" underneath)

Memorized rules: Always go to the bathroom 1 hour after drinking water; or always using the bathroom before leaving a place and when you arrive somewhere

Write and read social narratives: In story form or as a memo write out the process of when to use the bathroom as it pertains to that child's daily schedule

Use Technology and Wearables:

If you are looking for Sensory Processing treatment for yourself or your child fill out a child or adult intake form now to be treated at STAR Institute Treatment Center or search our Treatment Directory to find services in your area.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Toileting and Interoception - How to Help Struggling Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is a follow up article to the blog post titled This Hidden Sense Affects Potty Training and Toilet Accidents in Older Kids. Helping children who are struggling with toileting should be approached as more of a marathon than a sprint. A child with toileting issues may actually be struggling with a little known sensory system called interoception.

# data[].attributes.body
OT help and advice and links to further support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Toileting is a complex task requiring motor planning and co-ordination to get to the bathroom, fine motor skills to undo buttons and remove clothing, body awareness to wipe and clean and good sensory awareness to recognise the 'need to go'.
General information
Toileting is a great step towards achieving independence and each child will vary in terms of what they are able to achieve. Signs of being ready to start toilet training are children recognising when they become wet, need to toilet or have opened their bladder or bowels, and they should be able to remain dry for around two hours. In order to toilet train they will need to be able to get on and off and sit on the toilet. They will also need to have a routine (going to the toilet at regular and predictable points such as after meals) and lots of encouragement.
Toileting difficulties
Sensory differences can impact on a child's ability to become independent with toileting, for example a child with movement difficulties could find it hard to keep their balance in sitting on the toilet, the child with tactile (touch) processing difficulties may find toilet paper too rough and avoid wiping, or if they have poor body awareness (proprioception) they might not be able to clean themselves accurately. Another difficulty could be with the internal awareness, or that 'need to go'. These children often present with a wide range of indicators such as difficulties with regulating their body temperature, respiration and recognition of thirst or even hunger e.g. always eating or not being aware they are thirsty.

Ensure the environment is calm and quiet. Some children may prefer increased light, whilst others may find some lighting too bright.

All training or development of toileting skills should be relaxed and calm, it will take time and not work every time. If your child is not progressing after a few weeks of trying, leave it for a couple of weeks and try again later.

Offer a reward for opening their bladder or bowel on the toilet or even when the child asks to use the toilet. The reward could even be a simple high-five or making a really big fuss of success.

Make it fun; show them the colour in the toilet changes colour when they have successfully opened their bladder, or get a toilet training ball for boys to aim at!

Ensure your child is able to get on and off the toilet easily, you may need a non-slip step or handle for them to hold onto. If you are unsure liaise with the Occupational Therapy team for further advice around equipment.

Ensure your child has a step or stool under their feet when they are seated; this will help them to feel stable and may reduce anxieties if they have problems with balance.

Get a soft ring reducer to ensure they feel supported and comfortable and don't fall through the toilet seat.

Read children's books or social stories about toileting with pictures to outline the sequence.

Role play the toileting sequence with dolls, giving dolls lots of praise for trying.

Speak to nursery or school about their pattern for toileting/nappy changes and work together to set up a toileting programme.

If the noise is too much, place sound absorbing towels in the bathroom, or try earplugs, music or running water.

With smearing of faeces, try your child on a fixed bathroom routine and increase experiences of strong smells.

Use distractions like books, songs, music and pictures on the walls or have bathroom sensory tools such as fidgets, chewy tube or textured things to pull and stretch.

If they find some elements difficult then try using some proprioception or deep pressure activities prior to toileting to enable your child to better tolerate the sensations.

Difficulties with recognising the "need to go"

Help your child gain awareness of stomach muscles by resting your hands on your child's lower tummy.

Engage in therapy ball activities- lying over the ball, crossing midline (arms or legs reaching to the other side of the body). This is believed to increase registration and help individuals recognise internal sensations. If your child isn't keen on a therapy ball, you could encourage them to lie over the arm of a sofa instead.

Play bubble blowing games to work stomach muscles in preparation for toilet training.

Start with the child sitting on the toilet or potty (in the bathroom/toilet where possible) in a flexed position, for five minutes at a time. Leave the tap running if this is helpful.

When on the potty/toilet encourage your child to play blowing games e.g. bubbles, this will encourage the stomach pushes required for your child to use the toilet.

If your child doesn't seem to be aware that they are urinating, let them go naked - they will see when they urinate and connect the sensation with the consequence.

Engaging in regular body awareness activities such as yoga (Cosmic kids is good) and body scans (scanning each part of the body for sensations) can increase awareness of a child's body.

Modelling behaviour such as telling your child when you need a 'wee' or 'poo' how that feels can be a good way to teach them about internal body sensations. Practicing with them how they feel before and after, focusing on their lower body (bladder, tummy and bowel) can support this learning.

Increasing awareness of internal body sensations (interoception) is key to encouraging recognising the body sensations of needing to use the toilet. See the interoception handout for more information.

This can be tricky if a child has poor body awareness. Increasing their proprioceptive input, e.g. pushing the wall, will wake up arms and hands and give the brain increased information about body in space.

Using wet wipes can increase tactile input thereby increasing information about where the body is in space.

You could try having a mirror next to the toilet so that your child can see where their hands are, but they may struggle to adjust their body in space.

Some children may have poor fine motor skills; this could be due to a number of reasons.

You could try giving your child a toy to fidget with whilst on the toilet - this may increase feedback to the brain to encourage fine motor skills.

Where possible, put a long mirror in the toilet so your child can see if they have adjusted their clothes properly.

Loose fitting elasticated clothing, to make it easier to pull up and down.

Some children dislike water, making hand washing very difficult.

Try novelty soap with a toy in the middle - get your child to wash the soap away to get to the toy. You could also try a visual timer so they can see how long they have to wash for.

Using the right temperature water may help, try using warm water rather than cold or hot.

If your child will not hand wash, then try hand rub, baby wipes or even a flannel.

References:
http://voices.yahoo.com/toilet-training-tips-children-sensory-issues-7867302.html

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/The_SPD_Companion-SPD-and-potty-training.html

Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration: Therapy for Children with Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders by E. Yack, P. Aguilla and S. Sutton.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Occupational therapy advice: Toileting (Sensory Differences) - Children and Family Health Devon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Toileting is a complex task requiring motor planning and co-ordination to get to the bathroom, fine motor skills to undo buttons and remove clothing, body awareness to wipe and clean and good sensory awareness to recognise the 'need to go'. General information Toileting is a great step towards achieving independence and each child will vary [...]

# data[].attributes.body
"Sturdy flaps will hold up to hours of repeat lifting and peeking, and toddlers will delight in the surprises they find under the flaps."

# data[].attributes.body
With pitch-perfect humor and pacing, Leslie Patricelli follows the inner dialogue (sure to have little ones shouting responses) and hilarious actions of everyone’s favorite Baby,

# data[].attributes.body
In this hilarious gate-fold story, each person--from a firefighter on the way to answer a fire alarm to a zoo keeper on the way to feed the polar bears--stops what they are doing to go to the potty

# data[].attributes.body
"f you’ve ever said to yourself:

-How do I know if my kid is ready?
-Why won’t my child poop in the potty?
-How do I avoid “potty power struggles”?
-How can I get their daycare provider on board?
-My kid was doing so well—why is he regressing?
-And what about nighttime?!

Oh Crap! Potty Training can solve all of these (and other) common issues"

# data[].attributes.body
"Easy-to-read bulleted lists offer over 200 do's and don'ts presented, along with more than fifty real-life examples. Learn, among other things, how to gauge "readiness," overcome fear of the bathroom, teach how to use toilet paper, flush and wash up, and deal with toileting in unfamiliar environments"

# data[].attributes.body
"By approaching potty training with a proven program, first-time tips and tricks, the right tools, and a confident mindset, you can cross dirty diapers off your endless to-do list and celebrate your child's transition to the toilet."

# data[].attributes.body
Make potty-training as simple as possible with a step-by-step plan that walks you and your little one through the entire process. Written by a potty-training consultant and behavior specialist, this potty-training book for toddlers covers everything you need to know―from prepping for the big 3 days to supporting and encouraging your child to help their new habits stick.

# data[].attributes.body
Support from the team at ERIC around Potty Training for those looking to start Reception

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Children's Services Improvement team - LGA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Starting Reception: Toilet Training Round Table (10/07/2025)

# data[].attributes.body
Find out a little more about ERIC and what they do.

# data[].attributes.body
NCC Guidance: Providing personal care in school & legislative duty.

This guidance is provided to ensure schools are compliant with legislation and follow recommended best practice for children in their care that require personal care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Potty Training Guide - Starting Reception

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Potty training is an important milestone in your child’s development. We understand that all children develop at their own pace, but research shows it’s best for your child’s bowel and bladder health to stop using nappies, including reusable nappies, pull ups and training pants, between 18 and 30 months.