potty training your sn kid?

[hdirks]

Lani is 2 1/2 and just starting to walk on her own and I am really wanting to potty train her. She is deaf and has developmental delays and no communication because she refuses to sign. So there lies my problem....I'm not really sure where to begin. We do have a little potty and she has gone on it many times before, so I know she can do it. My problem is I have to put her on it like every hour and then sometimes I have to leave her on it for 30 minutes before she will go and well, with a special needs kid that is just not working for us. She has showed some signs that she know when she needs to be changed, I also have a 6 month old and whenever she sees me have a diaper in my hands for her sister she will lay down and try pulling her pants down wanting me to change her too, and she only does this when she is actually in need of a changing so it is not just because she is jealous of the baby. I guess I am just looking for advice because the typical reward/chart system is obviously out for her. Thanks!

[treehugger86]

I'm certain there are several parents on this board that have been successful with toilet training children with SN, and will also have some great resources to share. (I might do some research and re-visit the thread). I have a few thoughts, but I don't post often, and I'm never very confident about being the first to respond . . ! I hope I can be of some help. It sounds as though you are on the right track. I definitely think a toilet routine is important, but I understand the challenge with a 6 month old at home. This is often a key component in toilet training, and I would encourage you to continue (to the extent that it is possible).

Some children respond very well to a "Visual" system. This could take the form of a "Social Story" or "Story Board". You may be able to create one yourself, based on your daughter developmental ability and/or level, or use a template. In example, a very simple Social Story could attempt to connect diapers with babies, and an older child (or a photo of herself) in connection with a toilet. There are also definitely children's books (and videos) that help prepare children for toileting. She may not completely understand the concepts, but a visual component could be a potential starting point. How does your daughter communicate? (Pointing? Pulling? Tantrums?). Have you considered implementing a Picture Exchange Communication System?

I'd also like to suggest that a Reinforcement System could still be implemented. It doesn't necessarily have to take the form of a Token Economy System. For example, a "Big Girl Bathroom Chart" might be posted in the bathroom. I would keep it visual (ex. a photograph of her sitting on the toilet). She could put a sticker on the chart for each "successful" toilet routine. It really depends on your child's motivation, and of course, level of comprehension, ability, etc. It might take a few trails to help her connect the sticker with actually "using" the toilet (as opposed to simply sitting on it). You could help her make this connection with photographs too (ex. a photograph of a toilet with urine, or a bowel movement).

Another idea for a Reinforcement System would be a "Choice Board" with photographs of potential "Rewards" or "Reinforcement". She could select an item after each "successful" toilet routine, either through pointing, circling, etc. This is more advanced. It would most likely require some level of teaching (depending on your child's developmental level).

It will be interesting to see some other responses. Are you involved with EI? They may also be an excellent resource for helping to teach your daughter to make the connections!

Edit for spelling and grammar!

Edited by treehugger86 - 10/4/11 at 7:39pm