HOW
TO TOILET TRAIN A CHILD
WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY
Because
of their disability, children take longer to toilet train.
This is often because the nerve, muscle development and
their coordination take longer to establish. However it
is important that toilet training is not neglected or delayed
because learning to stay clean and dry develops a child’s
independence and dignity. The best time to start this process
is around three years of age or when the child is showing
signs of knowing when they are wet or dirty. It is important
not to expect too much too soon.
The three most important factors in teaching the
child to use the toilet successfully are:
-
Begin by noticing and recording, over several days how
often the child is wet and dirty. This is done by checking
the nappy or trainer pants every 15 – 20 min's.
-
It is a good idea to plan to do this over a week-end especially
devoted to this purpose. You will then be able to work
out how often your child is wet. You will also be able
to note when your child is dirty and this is important
because it tends to happen at the same time each day and
if you take your child to the toilet close to this time
the child is more likely to poo and you have started on
the road to success.
-
If
you have discovered that your child is wet every 40 min's
plan to take him/her to the toilet every twenty minutes
and gradually increase the time until you catch the right
moment and some pee in the potty. Make sure that you record
this.
-
It is a good idea to give something to drink 15 minutes
before taking your child to the toilet.
-
Some
parents find that an egg timer is useful for reminding
them when it is toilet time again. It is also useful for
reminding the child and can act as a trigger in the early
days
-
You could also develop other signs to help your child
to communicate when it is time to go to the toilet
-
Make the process fun by having a special toy in the bathroom
especially for the toilet sessions. Music may also be
helpful
-
Have a positive and happy attitude and give lots of praise
and hugs when the child performs successes fully
-
Make sure that your child knows you are pleased that she
is dry and clean and not because she does pee and poo
-
Remember accidents will happen so do not reprimand or
punish when they do just clean up and say something like
“Oh you are trying so hard so better luck next time”
-
Never force your child to sit on the toilet, try not to
shout or get angry, just stick to your plan and try again
at the next session.
-
Never leave your child on the toilet for longer than five
minutes.
-
Make sure your child sees other members of the family
using the toilet because seeing is the best way of teaching
by example, especially when it involves members of the
child’s own family.
-
Dress the child in clothes that are easy for them to remove
and encourage them to pull their pants up and down by
themselves.
