What a Potty-Training "Camp" Is Like When Your Toddler Has Autism

Published on July 12, 2017 at 2:15 PM

Despite Adrian Woods's previous experience with potty-training, this mom of four had no idea where to begin when it was time to start transitioning her youngest child out of diapers.

Amos, who is 3 years old, has autism, and his North Carolina-based mom realized how difficult it would be — for both of them — in order for him to achieve this milestone.

"Truthfully, I had no idea how to even begin with Amos and I wondered if I would even know he was ready," Adrian wrote on her Facebook page, Tales of an Educated Debutante.

After Adrian shared on her blog her fear that Amos may never be potty-trained, a stranger messaged her about a unique program for toddlers with autism at Emory Autism Center. "Autism and Potty Training Camp: Who could have known such a thing existed?" she wrote. "Until recently, I was of the mindset that we had bigger fish to fry than say goodbye to diapers, but this program intrigued me."

Adrian signed Amos up and the pair headed to Atlanta for a week. During this time, they spent five hours in a bathroom daily with two trained autism therapists. Each evening, Adrian and Amos would head back to their hotel and continue practicing in the bathroom until bedtime. "Never have I attempted something that was so challenging and felt so foreign," Adrian wrote. "The approach, one of positive rewarding, no punishment, intense routine and flooding my son with liquid and salty snacks was amazing and very different from the way I had successfully trained my first three children."

Although Adrian admits that the program was expensive, she believes that it was completely worth it. "The process was totally different than with my other kids and very regimented, but not punitive," Adrian told POPSUGAR. "Repetition and staying in the bathroom helped Amos make the connection in his mind and he is doing so great."

The ultimate goal wasn't for Amos to be completely potty trained in just one week, but instead to be able to tell his family when he has to go to the bathroom with few accidents. "By the end of the week, Amos has stayed dry most nights, learned to put on and pull up his own underpants," Adrian wrote.

From her experience, Adrian also realized another important difference when it comes to potty-training a child with autism:

"Here's the kicker. Families with children who have special needs require above and beyond for most things. I've said that before, but I say it again. My friends and family have been so encouraging and that makes such a difference. It's not easy admitting you need help or wondering if you're doing the right thing and that uplifting support is a game changer. Be nice and kind and encouraging and try to understand that this is not because we are 'tired of diapers.' Being potty trained opens up a whole new world of inclusion for our extra special little people and that's what we long for most of all. I'm so thankful for the opportunity and appreciative to the folks at Emory for all their dedication and hard work."

For parents trying to potty-train their child with special needs, Adrian has some advice. "It's not impossible but really hard and you need help, even if it is some family members that can stand in so you can take a break," she said. "All day in the bathroom for eight days means you need food and companionship, though watching for signs of pottying was the focus. Consistency is key, do not use diapers once you jump ship, and reward potty use with instant treats and lots of cheering!"