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I was wondering if anybody knows of any programs that assist in potty training for a 6 year boy with autism.
Thanks for your help.

Hello, Melissa –

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JJ Holoubek
Network of Care

We use to have the same problem. Except my boy was only 4 1/2 at the time. The older they are the more developed the bladder and the longer they can hold it right?I still think it was a miracle he caught on. But I am not complaining. Here is the program we were given.(All of my personal notes are in parantasis)


1. Set aside 3 complete days. (I will add and find someone to be accountable to such as teacher that will help you not to give up. You are going to need it.)

2. Stock up on beverages and reinforcers.

3. Make the bathroom inviting- with toys, etc.

4. Put in underpants (We put our son with shorts and no underpants. That way there wouldn't be any question where the wet was coming from.

5. "Pump" full of liquids all day. (my son stopped drinking because he didn't want to have to go)

6. Sit on the toilet every 30 minutes
A. If urinates, reward immedicatley with praise and reinforcer. Leave bathroom.)
B. If not, keep on toilet for 15 minutes. Leave the bathroom!(This is what I liked best) Then wait a full 30 minutes before trying again.
(My son took 1 1/2 days before he went in the toilet once. I followed him around and played with him for 3 days. He not only learned to go potty. We found some activities we liked to do together that helped him learn to verbalize. I was told some kids can go 2 weeks without having a success, but don't give up. No matter how clueless they seem, they will get it.)

7. When accidents happen have him help him clean it up. (We just had him remove his pants and put them in the hamper)

8. After He starts urinating in the toilet several times a day, you may increase intervals between toileting sessions gradually, first to 45 minutes, then one hour, until you are only toileting 5 or 6 times a day.

Another note to mention. Accidents are great for these kids because they learn from them. Especially if they don't like being wet (change immediately so they don't get used to being wet). When my son had an accident I just told him he was wet and let's change. I also made him sit on the potty for 5-10 minutes so he couldn't get out of that part by going in his pants.
My son was nonverbal except for singing when we potty trained him. He didn't start telling me he had to go potty until a year later. When he had to go it he just found the bathroom and went. I would make sure you frequent all the bathrooms in the house to so you don't have the problem of him always wanting to use the same bathroom.

The program didn't say anything about bowel movements. When my son started grunting I took him to the bathroom and he gave him a marble castle toy that he loved. He played it for 45 minutes before he went. I think he forgot he was sitting on the toilet. Another thing we did that I think really helped was have him sit on potty chair. It made it easier to play with toys. He is a big kid and at 4 1/2 he looked out of place. But it was nice to be able to show him what that he did it.
Another thing we did was use bubbles for reinforcers. Not only could I find a food that was reinforcing enough, and he hates stickers, but I liked it because it was an immediate reward. He didn't have to be dressed,or wash his hands first, and we could do it right in the bathroom. Then after he was ready to leave the bathroom we went outside and blew more bubbles. Especially the first time he had a bowel movement.
I was told no matter how inconvenient it is don't ever put a pull up on (we did at night) Just prepare for accidents at the store.
I had a friend tell me she would have her kids sit backwards and play with toys on the back of the toilet. (I am not sure about that one for Autism, you'd hate to have to break him of it). Speaking for sitting down or sitting up. My son still sits down which I think is great because he now never misses. He will still have to figure out how to aim that way too. So stand back. I hope this helps you. I tried and failed for 2 years. Before we finally made it. Just entertain your son in the bathroom. I sang, I danced, and all sorts of things. I had a hard time bringing non washable or electronic toys in the bathroom. It would also be great to have someone who can give you break during those days who will keep the schedule. It is tiring, but worth it. I can count on my two hands the daytime accidents after the first two week period. And most of them were when he was wearing snow pants.