Potty Training and Autism: Understanding Challenges & Strategies

Potty training can be difficult for any child, but children with autistic tendencies can have it even harder because the symptoms of their disorder get in the way.

Motivation

• External motivation can be a problem because autistic children often do not feel the need for social reinforcement.

Resistance to Change

• A typical symptom of autism is resistance to change. Potty training can be difficult since it involves a major change.

Communication

• Because of limited communication, it may be difficult for autistic children to make it clear to others that they need to use the potty.

Indifference

• Some autistic children do not mind the feeling of having a dirty diaper or underwear, and so they do not feel an urge to become potty trained.

Body Cues

• Due to a disconnect between their minds and bodies, it may be difficult for autistic children to know when they need to use the potty.