Toileting children with additional needs

Some children may find the process towards stopping wearing nappies more difficult. Children with special needs including developmental delay and physical disabilities may take a little longer and need more support. However the process you need to follow is the same. 

Every child develops at their own pace — a few children need more time and support while developing their potty or toilet skills. This can be challenging for them and for you, but it’s important not to put off potty training for too long. Delaying can make it harder to introduce a new place for them to wee or poo.

Our key message is that a child having SEND should not be a reason to avoid or delay toilet training; in fact, in many instances there are reasons to start even sooner. Supporting the process also provides opportunities to scaffold their development in other areas, including communication and interaction.

• It is important that children feel relaxed, comfortable and secure about using the toilet or potty.
• Think about sensory needs of the children and how these relate to using the bathroom. Adjusting the sensory input can make a difference for many children to help them to learn toileting skills. For example, hand dryers, noisy bathrooms, using ear defenders.
• Use a footstool to help your child feel confident and safe if using a toilet. This will also help your child get into the best position for doing wees and poos, with their feet supported and knees above hips.
• Use verbal and visual cues. Introduce simple books on the subject consistently using the signs, sounds or words that your child can use. Reinforce verbal cues with a visual cue – use photos, drawings, pictures, images and social stories when preparing them to use the potty. Using these images to create visual schedules will make it easy for your child to follow the new routine and make it more predictable.

We recommend taking a look at the ERIC website,  the children’s bowel and bladder charity which has a section on toileting children with additional needs including sections on austism, delayed speech and Down syndrome. Their Let’s Go Potty approach has been designed to help your child make this transition whatever their needs are. They also have numerous resources including factsheets , books and useful products.

If you have concerns do speak to your Health Visitor or  School Nurse who can support your further.

Useful links and Guidance 

Family Guide Support with Toileting – Dingley’s Promise

Toilet Training – Down Syndrome UK

Toileting and autistic children – National Autistic Society

Potty training children with additional needs – CBeebies Parenting

ERIC Helpline podcast: potty training children with additional needs – ERIC