Potty training is one of the biggest milestones in early childhood, but for autistic children it often comes with unique challenges. In Part 1 of this series, we looked at why potty training can be harder for autistic kids, how to prepare the environment, and how to build comfort and readiness before starting.
In this second part, we’ll move into the “how.” You’ll learn practical strategies for implementation, how to track progress, and ways to troubleshoot common challenges. The goal is not speed, but compassion, patience, and steady progress.
Gentle Implementation
Once your child is comfortable in the bathroom environment, it’s time to start gently introducing potty training strategies.
- Use Visual Supports: Many autistic children are strong visual learners. Create a simple sequence showing steps like pants down, sit, wipe, flush, and wash hands. Even if your child doesn’t follow every step yet, visuals create predictability.
- Introduce Visual Cards: When it’s time to try, hand your child a toilet picture card and say, “It’s bathroom time.” Then walk together to the bathroom and match it to a larger picture. This helps with transitions and provides something concrete to hold.
- Build Predictable Routines: Pair bathroom visits with natural transitions—after meals, before leaving the house, or before bedtime. Routine turns potty training into part of daily life instead of a random interruption.
- Incorporate Special Interests: Use what your child loves to encourage engagement. A dinosaur-themed social story, Paw Patrol toy bathroom, or even a silly book with favorite characters “modeling” potty time can make all the difference.
Adjusting and Tracking Progress
Potty training isn’t linear. There will be stops, starts, and setbacks—but every step forward counts.
- Track Progress: Compare your child’s current progress with your baseline notes. Are accidents decreasing? Are they showing awareness? Even small milestones like “walked into the bathroom calmly” matter.
- Adjust as Needed: If one strategy doesn’t work, switch it up. Change visuals, reduce bathroom noise with a white noise machine, or add a stool for stability. Stay flexible and creative.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
1. Fear of Flushing
The loud sound can be scary. Cover automatic sensors with a sticky note, offer noise-reducing headphones, and flush for them until they’re ready.
2. Excessive Flushing
For kids who love flushing, use a “one flush” visual card and redirect with other water play like bubble handwashing or sensory bins.
3. Playing in Toilet Water
Offer approved water play opportunities elsewhere to meet sensory needs while reducing unsafe exploration.
4. Resistance to Underwear
Start by having your child wear underwear under their pull-up for familiarity. Make underwear fun with favorite characters or incorporate it into play with dolls and stuffed animals.
5. Withholding
If your child is withholding urine or bowel movements, first rule out medical issues with your doctor. At home, keep potty time low-pressure with stability supports, music, or bubble-blowing to encourage relaxation.
6. Nighttime Dryness
Nighttime dryness often comes years later. Reduce fluids before bed, add a bathroom trip before sleep, and remember it’s a separate milestone from daytime training.
Big Picture Reminders
- Potty training is not linear—setbacks are normal.
- Compassion and patience matter more than speed.
- Every small step forward deserves celebration.
You are not alone in this journey.
Extra Support for Families and Educators
If you’re looking for more help, download my free Toilet Training Guide. Inside, you’ll find visuals and strategies to start using right away.
For step-by-step guidance, check out my full course, Potty Train With Compassion. The course includes video training, printable visuals, social story templates, and troubleshooting guides—all with lifetime access.
Remember: your child doesn’t need to follow anyone else’s timeline. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself daily—you are doing a great job.
Listen to the Podcast Episode #137
If you use visual supports in your classroom or home, you are going to want to sign up for this free Visual Supports Starter Set ASAP! Click here to have one sent to your inbox. Also, be sure to read more about visual supports and how they can help autistic children here.
This is a great resource, i have a kiddo who could go all day without going potty and than other day on cue at the same time release a flood, what are we doing wrong? any thoughts? suggestion greatly appreciate it!