Toilet Training - Special Needs

Toilet training is a hard task and having to train childrenthe potty to them.
with special needs does not make it easier. It calls forWatch out for signs of recognition, co-operation,
patience and a lot of love on the part of the parent ordiscomfort especially when they are wet or pressed
the caretaker. It may not be as easy as training aby a full bladder, among many other non verbal cues.
normal child. These children include those with autism,This is the time to design a potty chair for them and to
retardation, Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy amongencourage them to sit on it after undressing and then
others. Mentally and psychologically, such children faceflex their bowels open. It is always good to teach your
a lot of challenges and their development is not normal.child through setting an example, so do not feel shy to
Learning for a kid mostly depends on his mind'ssit on the potty chair yourself if you can, then they can
development level and not his chronological age asimitate you.
most of us tend to think. This tells you that if the mindOne thing that may play the trick as you toilet train a
is impaired, then learning will be quite a challenge. Tochild with special needs is to praise him or her when
toilet train children with special needs, you will have tothey do their potty right. In fact, throw a 'party' for the
yourself down to their level and understand them. Lookachievement. Never scold your child and do not run out
out for cues that they may hint that they want toof patience, they rely on you.
ease themselves and at such points, get to introduce