With the start of the school year behind us, and the start of the [Jewish] calendar year just ahead, our environment is one of fresh beginnings.
Each new year is a time to set goals for the future, goals for our children’s growth and independence.
When working with our child to meet goals in independence, one of the first areas that comes to mind is toilet training. A toilet trained child has more autonomy over his choices, enabling him to grow up into a more independent and productive individual.
Do you think the time is right? It doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming.
Communicate with your child’s educators to determine if your child is ready, and come up with a plan of action.
Read on for our compilation of tips and recommendations from experienced parents and special educators!
Signs of readiness
Here’s the typical list of signs to look out for. If your child meets even some of them, it might be time to start! You can discuss it with your child’s teachers and therapists to hear their opinion and get everyone on board.
If your child…
Can stay dry for at least an hour at a time
Stops what their doing in order to eliminate
Hides or goes to a specific spot to eliminate
Finds diapers uncomfortable/tries to remove diaper
Can walk independently
Can sit independently, without support
Can understand cause/effect or first/then (first use the toilet, then get a cookie)
Can communicate when they want something, either verbally, with gestures (pointing, touching body), or behaviorally (i.e. pulling your hand to leave the room)
Needs diaper changes at generally consistent times every day
A word (or two) from the experts
These ideas are no magic tricks, but they can make what seems impossible, possible.
With much admiration for Camp Migdal, where I watched the above recommendations work time and again in the most unlikely of cases, as they were implemented by counselors with an endless supply of love, devotion, and patience.
You don’t have to go it alone
There are professionals who can help you with toilet training. Your child’s BCBA or classroom teacher can help you make a program to help your child succeed…
And of course, you can always call Ezreinu (718-750-1010) to get the contact info for an expert in the field.
Highly recommended read for you
Ready, Set, Potty! by Brenda Batts, a parent of child with Autism, is an incredible book which has helped hundreds of special educators and parents successfully toilet train their children with special needs. It uses a unique child-centered approach.
… And for your child
Here are a couple of classic kids book which can help your child understand the toilet training process with a cute, relatable storyline and pictures. Both P is for Potty and I Can Go by Myself come highly recommended.
Tziporah, a sweet 5-year-old with special needs and limited safety awareness, needed specific equipment to make the house into a safe place for her to be. Her family reached out to Ezreinu, and they were directed to a few foundations who have been known to provide grants to cover such equipment.🔴
The Weissmans were growing more concerned by the day by their toddler’s odd behavior, and they decided to take him for a thorough evaluation by a top psychologist. They called Ezreinu for a recommendation, and received clear information about several top options. 🔴
Due to their baby’s medical complications which needed constant monitoring, the Rosenbergs were hardly able to get out of the house at night. One evening, they had an important appointment. They called all of the babysitters in the area, but no one wanted to take responsibility for their baby’s health. In the afternoon, someone told Mrs. Rosenberg about Ezreinu. She called, and within 15 minutes, the Rosenbergs had an experienced babysitter lined up for the evening. 🔴
Identifying details have been changed to protect client confidentiality.
Does every babysitter in the neighborhood turn you down time and again when they hear you have a child with special needs?
You have an appointment, visiting day at camp, a party… And you can’t leave your child with special needs at home without supervision. That’s tough.
The good news?
Holding Hands is helping families like yours every day.
Call Ezreinu today at 718-750-1010.
We’re waiting to hear from you:)