Ok, so my son Garrett is not potty trained yet. He's 4.5 years old. He started using the potty in November and here it is almost July and still not there yet. I'm not here to complain or be upset with my son just to let off steam. I've said many prayers for my son. I just keep thinking look how far he's come! By the way, he hasn't been officially diagnosed with autism but in my heart I know he's on the spectrum somewhere. He does have a meltdowns from time to time but isn't completely rigid about everything. Actually, he's very easy-going and sweet. There are just certain things that set him off from time to time. I'm so............proud of him for the progress he's made since Firststeps and entering his preschool. He is verbal and speaks; however communication can be rocky from time to time. He doesn't interrupt or process exactly what we say to him sometimes.
Soooooooo back to potty training. I purchased spiderman, Thomas, and every other kind of underpants last summer or hoping he would love them and wear them. He did wear for a bit just wet them and didn't seem to care. So, back to diapers and pull-ups. We're at the point now where he isn't happy about wearing underwear. He did wear them yesterday for 5 minutes but couldn't take it more than that and off them went. Tonight he wore them for 2 hours and seemed to love them. ;)
He has the act of going potty down (#1 that is). He goes when we take him to the toilet which is normally every 2 hours. It's the verbal part that is missing- he doesn't say "I have to go potty". He's told us that just a few times.
Does anyone have any ideas, advice , anything at all that has worked for your child? I know I must be patient and understand he will do this at his own pace. Any advice from a parent or professional provider that has been in my shoes would be greatly appreciated!
We have 4 1/2 year old
We have 4 1/2 year old twins. Son has moderate-level autism. Daughter has PDD-NOS. She managed to pick up both with not much help. He is another matter. Underwear was never so much an issue. The issue is aversion to change and good old-fashion stubbornness. He would urinate at school, but not at home. Ultimately, we got him to do it, by only allowing favored books when he sat on the potty, and then only allowing him a favorite desert when he actually peed. Two days and it worked. Seems like we've been struggling with #2 for a couple of months now though. He has produced a few times, though never for us. For his child-care provider and for his grandmother, who both positively reinforced to the max, of course. Not for us though. We've tried the same tricks. He's got a favorite toy which we give him if he successfully goes on the potty. He understands the concept, we think, but refuses to do it. One time, he accidentally went at school (Normally, he holds it). When the teacher showed him that he went in the potty, he tantrumed, then suddenly started clapping. We think he knows EXACTLY what we want him to do, but it is a control issue for him. Fun, fun, fun!
Major breakthrough today!!
Major breakthrough today!! It started last night. He agreed to wear underwear for a couple of hours until bed time. I gave him a choice of several pair. He picked the one's with lizards on them. He was actually happy about this! My daughter, my husband and I acted crazy - we danced and tried to make this a big deal. This morning I happily suggested him wear underwear and he agreed again!!! I'm still shocked. Check this out...he stayed DRY ALL DAY while wearing his underpants. I'm super excited but at the same time I don't want to get my hopes up. I know there will be accidents along the way. I just am so proud of him for taking this leap forward. Thanks to those who commented and gave potty advice.
Yeah! Cheers..(I'm
Yeah! Cheers..(I'm symbolicly throwing confetti here for you!!) Those potty training days are some of the most stressful.
Persistence, and then patience.... Sounds so simple but is soooooooooooooo not!!! Glad you are having a breakthrough. You are doing great.
Thanks- He's wearing
Thanks- He's wearing underpants again today and dry all day! He won't poop in the toilet though and I know he doesn't want to have an accident. He's in a dilemma right now. Hope he chooses the potty and not his pants!
I wonder if he doesn't like
I wonder if he doesn't like the feel of his underwear. Have you tried different fabric types and different cuts (say, boxers vs. normal little boy underpants). My son won't wear shorts, but will wear very loose-fitting boxers. He prefers a particular cotton/polyester type knit blend, but I've even seen everything from 100% cotton to really silky ones.
To get my son to fully train, we took him into a strange environment (relative's house) to break the old routine and we took away his underwear completely. He already actually knew what we wanted him to do but he was reluctant to do it. He was pretty independent about it right off (that is, would not tell me if he needed to go), so I had to learn how to read his body signs if we were out and I had to get him to a toilet. The communication eventually did come though.
Hi, Dont feel bad. My son is
Hi, Dont feel bad. My son is 8 and not potty trained.
Sometimes he'll pee in the toilet and we've had him
poop a couple of times but thats about it. Our situation
is more difficult because he's non~verbal and also
has MR. Keep smiling!