If you have a special needs child then you realize every aspect of life can be quite challenging at times. Unfortunately, this carries over when it is time to potty train as well. Keep in mind when you are trying to potty train your special needs child that he/she is not trying to be difficult but this is hard to grasp for them. Many special needs children, like those with autism or down syndrome, can be potty trained with some extra effort and love. You may find the following suggestions helpful when considering potty training your special needs child.

A Special Potty
Many special needs children have no problem at all learning to use the potty chair or the regular toilet, but for others this is a problem. If you find that your special needs child is having problems then you may need a special potty for them. You may be able to buy one or design one on your own. Simply make sure you are starting out from the easiest point possible to make the whole process easier. If your toddler cant use the potty chair or regular potty because of developmental issues or whatever just make sure that you have provided him a potty of some sort he can use.

Is he Really Ready?
Most doctors and researchers believe that the time to start potty training a special needs child is no different than any other child. You should start when your child gives you some clues that he/she is ready to learn. Of course, special needs children may communicate their readiness to potty train in different ways so be on the lookout for this.

Some signs your child is ready for the potty training process is if he can stay dry for several hours at a time, realizes when he has had an accident, knows the urge to eliminate and can communicate this feeling to you. Also, some interest in using the potty and not being wet are good signs as well.

Parental Praise
All children need parental praise when potty training, but special needs children may need more of it. You will really need to evaluate your child to see which is the case in your childs situation. However, plan on being over supportive and always praising your child for any successful visit to the toilet. If your special needs child gains pleasure from making you happy then potty training might not be that big of a challenge. If your special needs child does not respond to your praise then this might be more of a challenge.

A Reward System
Rewards work well for potty training children whether they have special needs or not. You will have to decide in your childs case if a reward system would be beneficial or not. If so then you need to create a system, come up with some immediate rewards so your child can choose from them after successful visits to the potty, and then implement them. Hopefully this will work for your special needs child.

Be Patient
If you have a special needs child you have more than likely already learned how important patience is, but it cannot be stressed enough. You must be patient when potty training your special needs child and never reprimand or punish your child for accidents. It may feel like forever but one day your special needs child will be potty trained and you can look back on the experience with fondness.

Posted in Potty Training

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